F-Root

ISC operates the “F” root domain server, one of the 13 Internet root name servers known as A-root through M-root. We have operated F-Root for IANA since 1994.

The Root Server Technical Operations Association maintains a map that shows the location of all of the world’s root name servers. 46 of them are F Roots, operated by ISC. If you are perplexed that 46 (the number of F-root servers) is greater than 13 (the number of root name servers), you can read about the “anycast” scheme used to make the 46 servers collectively behave as 1 server.

F-root answers queries over IPv4 on 192.5.5.241, and over IPv6 on 2001:500:2f::f using a hierarchical anycast technique and BIND 9 software.

Network operators can improve their access to the F Root Nameserver, and hence the reliability of the DNS in general, by peering with ISC at the exchange points where we maintain a presence. For information about peering with ISC, see our Peering Information Page.

On January 4th, 2008, ISC became the first root server operator to sign a Mutual Responsibilities Agreement with ICANN, which identifies mutual responsibilities and is another step to enhance Internet stability.

Read Oct 2002 report detailing a denial-of-service attack on the root servers.

Read May 2009 news article about DE-CIX sponsoring anycast F-root in Frankfurt.

Below is a map showing the locations of F-root nodes worldwide. Here is a list of their locations, and here are instructions for finding out which F-root is providing service to you.

F-Root Location Map

 
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