DNS and BIND: Create a Forward Zone File

Libraries: If you want this lab, consider one of these libraries.
Cloud

DNS and BIND: Create a Forward Zone File

Zone files are a key component of configuring DNS servers. In this lab we will configure a forward zone file, and add TTL, SOA, NS and A records. This allows a name server to resolve a query, given the hostname, and returns the IP address. This is the most common type of DNS query.

Get started Contact sales

Lab Info

Level

Intermediate

Last updated

Aug 07, 2025

Duration

15m

Challenge

Install and Start the Named Service, then Create the File /var/named/fwd.labdomain.com.db
```
yum install -y bind
systemctl start named
vim /var/named/fwd.labdomain.com.db
```

Challenge

Add the TTL and SOA Records to the Zone File


$TTL 86400  

@       IN      SOA     nameserver.labdomain.com.     root.labdomain.com.      (
                               10030   ;Serial
                               3600    ;Refresh
                               1800    ;Retry
                               604800  ;Expiry
                               86400   ;Minimum TTL
)

Challenge

Add the NS Record to the Zone File

@       IN      NS      nameserver.labdomain.com.

Challenge

Add the A Records to the Zone File

nameserver      IN      A       172.31.18.93
mailprod        IN      A       172.31.18.30
mailbackup      IN      A       172.31.18.72

Challenge

Add the CNAME Record to the Zone File

dns     IN      CNAME   nameserver.labdomain.com.

Challenge

Save the File and Quit the Editor
```
:wq
```

About the author

Pluralsight Skills

Pluralsight Skills gives leaders confidence they have the skills needed to execute technology strategy. Technology teams can benchmark expertise across roles, speed up release cycles and build reliable, secure products. By leveraging our expert content, skill assessments and one-of-a-kind analytics, keep up with the pace of change, put the right people on the right projects and boost productivity. It's the most effective path to developing tech skills at scale.

Real skill practice before real-world application

Hands-on Labs are real environments created by industry experts to help you learn. These environments help you gain knowledge and experience, practice without compromising your system, test without risk, destroy without fear, and let you learn from your mistakes. Hands-on Labs: practice your skills before delivering in the real world.

Learn by doing

Engage hands-on with the tools and technologies you’re learning. You pick the skill, we provide the credentials and environment.

Follow your guide

All labs have detailed instructions and objectives, guiding you through the learning process and ensuring you understand every step.

Turn time into mastery

On average, you retain 75% more of your learning if you take time to practice. Hands-on labs set you up for success to make those skills stick.