To verify the DNS configuration for AWS Global Accelerator, follow these detailed steps:
1. Understand the Default DNS Setup
- When you create a Global Accelerator, AWS assigns a default DNS name to it. This DNS name follows the pattern like `a1234567890abcdef.awsglobalaccelerator.com` and resolves to the static IP addresses assigned to your accelerator[6][9][10].
- For dual-stack accelerators (IPv4 and IPv6), there is also a dual-stack DNS name that resolves to four static IP addresses[6].
2. Verify DNS Records Point to Correct IPs or DNS Name
- Check that your DNS records (either in Amazon Route 53 or another DNS provider) point to the correct static IP addresses assigned by Global Accelerator or to the acceleratorâs DNS name.
- If you use Route 53, the recommended approach is to create an alias record that points your custom domain name (e.g., `www.example.com`) to the Global Accelerator DNS name. Alias records are preferable to CNAMEs because they can be used at the root domain level and provide better integration with AWS services[4].
- If you use another DNS provider, configure either A records pointing to the static IP addresses or a CNAME record pointing to the Global Accelerator DNS name. Make sure the TTL (time to live) is set appropriately to allow DNS propagation[4][7].
3. Check Custom Domain Name Configuration
- If you use a custom domain, ensure the DNS records are correctly set to route traffic to your accelerator. This involves either:
- Creating alias records in Route 53 pointing to the acceleratorâs DNS name, or
- Creating CNAME records in your DNS provider that map your domain or subdomain to the Global Accelerator DNS name[4][7].
- Wait for DNS changes to propagate fully before testing.
4. Validate DNS Resolution
- Use tools like `nslookup`, `dig`, or online DNS checkers to verify that your domain resolves to the expected IP addresses or the Global Accelerator DNS name.
- Confirm that the resolved IP addresses match the static IPs assigned to your accelerator.
- For example, running `dig www.example.com` should return the Global Accelerator IP addresses or the DNS name.
5. Test Connectivity Using the DNS Name or IPs
- Test connectivity to the accelerator using the DNS name or static IP addresses from different locations or networks to ensure proper routing.
- Use commands like `ping`, `curl`, or `traceroute` to verify that traffic is reaching the accelerator endpoints.
6. Troubleshoot Common Issues
- If DNS does not resolve correctly, verify that DNS records are correctly configured and that there are no typos or misconfigurations.
- Check for DNS propagation delays, which can take some time depending on TTL settings.
- If using BYOIP (Bring Your Own IP) addresses, ensure that the IP addresses are properly advertised and associated with the accelerator[3].
- Confirm that health checks and endpoint configurations in Global Accelerator are correct, as unhealthy endpoints may cause traffic not to route as expected[8].
Summary
To verify your Global Accelerator DNS configuration:
- Confirm your acceleratorâs default DNS name and static IP addresses.
- Ensure your DNS provider has records (alias or CNAME) pointing your custom domain to the acceleratorâs DNS name or IPs.
- Use DNS lookup tools to verify resolution matches expected IPs.
- Test network connectivity to the resolved addresses.
- Check health and endpoint configurations if traffic routing issues persist.
This process ensures that your DNS setup correctly directs traffic through AWS Global Accelerator as intended[3][4][6][7][8][9].
Citations:
[1] https://docs.aws.amazon.com/global-accelerator/latest/dg/dns-addressing-custom-domains.dns-addressing.html
[2] https://docs.aws.amazon.com/global-accelerator/latest/dg/dns-addressing-custom-domains.html
[3] https://docs.aws.amazon.com/global-accelerator/latest/dg/introduction-get-started.html
[4] https://docs.aws.amazon.com/global-accelerator/latest/dg/dns-addressing-custom-domains.mapping-your-custom-domain.html
[5] https://docs.opta.dev/reference/aws/modules/global-accelerator/
[6] https://cloudchipr.com/blog/aws-global-accelerator
[7] https://www.alibabacloud.com/help/en/ga/getting-started/accelerate-transmission-of-network-traffic-destined-for-a-specified-domain-name
[8] https://repost.aws/questions/QUuNiUCKYUSkKScntMG8MMeA/timeout-aws-global-accelerator
[9] https://boto3.amazonaws.com/v1/documentation/api/1.19.2/reference/services/globalaccelerator.html
[10] https://boto3.amazonaws.com/v1/documentation/api/1.16.27/reference/services/globalaccelerator.html