Set up DNS resolution for hybrid networks in a multi-account AWS environment

Set up DNS resolution for hybrid networks in a multi-account AWS environment


DNS resolution for hybrid networks

In a modern organization, workloads are typically run across numerous AWS accounts and connected to on-premises networks. While networking is vital, name resolution is also critical—without appropriate DNS resolution, services will be unable to communicate reliably.

Setting up DNS resolution for hybrid networks in a multi-account AWS environment guarantees that applications, users, and services can find resources easily, whether they are in the cloud or on-premises. AWS offers a variety of tools and patterns to help with this process, making it both efficient and safe.

Why is DNS resolution important in hybrid networks?

Consider running an AWS workload that needs to connect to a database in your data center, or an on-premises server that needs to access an API hosted in another AWS account. When DNS queries fail, connectivity goes down. Proper DNS resolution allows:

  • Reliable Service Discovery: Applications can discover each other using names rather than hardcoded IP addresses.
  • Scalability allows for the addition of new resources without the need to reconfigure clients.
  • Simplified Operations: Using a single central DNS namespace lowers the need for manual maintenance.
  • Compliance: Enforces uniform access control and auditing across all accounts.


How To Set Up DNS Resolution

1. Centralize DNS with Route 53 Resolver.

AWS Route 53 Resolver is a managed DNS solution that enables bi-directional query forwarding between AWS VPCs and on-premises networks.
  • Inbound Endpoints: Enable on-premises resources to resolve private DNS domains hosted on AWS.
  • Outbound Endpoints: Enable AWS workloads to resolve on-premises domain names by passing queries to your corporate DNS servers.
Deploy Route 53 Resolver endpoints in a shared services VPC and share them with other accounts via AWS Resource Access Manager (RAM).

2. Use Private Hosted Zones.

Set up Route 53 Private Hosted Zones to control DNS domains for internal AWS resources. Connect them to VPCs from several accounts to create a consistent namespace.

3. Integrate the AWS Transit Gateway.

If your accounts are connected via AWS Transit Gateway, make sure that DNS traffic (UDP/TCP on port 53) is appropriately routed between VPCs and to the shared services VPC that houses the Resolver endpoints.

4. Apply Conditional Forwarding Rules.

Configure conditional forwarding rules to resolve particular domain names using specific DNS servers. For example, forward corp.local requests to your on-premises DNS servers and cloud.example.com to Amazon Web Services.

5. Monitor and audit DNS queries.

Configure Route 53 Resolver query logging to transmit logs to CloudWatch Logs, S3, or Kinesis. This is useful for auditing, troubleshooting, and finding misconfigurations.

Best Practices.

  • To prevent duplication, centralize DNS management by using a shared service account.
  • Avoid overlapping namespaces: Plan your DNS naming strategy ahead of time to avoid problems between on-premises and AWS installations.
  • Secure DNS Endpoints: Use IAM policies and Security Groups to control who can access Resolver endpoints.
  • Automate Configuration: Use Infrastructure as Code (CloudFormation, Terraform) to assure reproducible configurations.
  • End-to-end testing involves validating resolution from both AWS and on-premises systems prior to production implementation.

Benefits After Implementation

Centralized DNS resolution makes your hybrid network more durable, scalable, and manageable. Applications can communicate with each other without having to change IP addresses, network teams spend less time troubleshooting, and security teams have better visibility into DNS behavior.

FAQs


Q1: Can I reuse Route 53 Resolver rules between many accounts?

Yes. AWS RAM enables you to share Resolver rules and endpoints with VPCs in other AWS accounts.

Q2: How can I resolve on-premises domain names using AWS workloads?

Create an outward Resolver endpoint and forwarding rule that points to your on-premises DNS servers.

Q3: Is a Route 53 Resolver required for hybrid DNS?

It's the most usual method, although you can also utilize self-managed DNS servers in a VPC if you require complete customisation.

Q4: Will this work with Direct Connect and VPN?

Yes. Hybrid DNS resolution is compatible with Direct Connect or Site-to-Site VPN as long as DNS traffic can travel across the network.

Q5: What are the costs associated?

You pay an hourly rate for each Resolver endpoint ENI and query volume. Private Hosted Zones charge a monthly cost per hosted zone and every million inquiries.

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