Cloudflare Internal DNS Launches for Private Networks

Launch Announcement

Cloudflare has announced the general availability of its Internal DNS service. This offering provides both authoritative and recursive DNS capabilities for private networks, utilizing the same global network that supports the company’s public DNS and other services.

Importance of Internal DNS

Internal DNS, also recognized as private DNS, has traditionally been managed separately from public DNS, complicating enterprise infrastructure. Many organizations use distinct systems for public and internal DNS, often leading to synchronization challenges and potential outages.

Functionality of Cloudflare Internal DNS

Cloudflare's service offers a unified control plane to manage both public and private DNS resources, providing a single API and audit trail. This integration aims to simplify operations and eliminate the complexities associated with separate DNS systems.

Enhanced Security and Zero Trust

The launch also aligns with Zero Trust security frameworks, as resolver policies can dictate user and device access to DNS views. This integration transforms private name resolution to become an integral part of overall security architecture.

Components of Internal DNS

Cloudflare Internal DNS features two main components: the Gateway Resolver for recursive resolution and policy evaluation, and Internal Authoritative DNS for managing zones. This structure separates responsibilities, focusing on security and routing policies effectively.