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What is TCP and Why Should You Care?

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When connecting two computers to exchange data, TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is the go-to protocol for reliable and secure communication. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring exactly what TCP is, how it works, its advantages and disadvantages, and its role in DNS. Keep reading to find out more!

Explanation of TCP

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is an end-to-end transport layer protocol used to establish connections and exchange data reliably between two computers over a network. It is an integral part of the Internet Protocol Suite and provides a connection-oriented service between two hosts. Using the reliable and efficient TCP protocol, network applications can send data reliably over the network without complicated protocols such as FTP. With its reliable and efficient data transmission, Transmission Control Protocol is ideal for applications such as web browsing and data transfer services.

How does it function?

TCP uses a set of rules known as a transmission control protocol. This protocol establishes a reliable, connection-oriented link between two computers and transfers data in a series of bytes. This is achieved by breaking the data into small chunks and adding a sequence number to each data part. Then, the receiving computer reassembles the data in the same order it was sent. Additionally, Transmission Control Protocol also has features such as error checking, retransmission of lost packets, and flow control to ensure the reliability of the data transfer. By following this protocol, TCP can reliably send and receive data between two points, creating a foundation for all the information we communicate on the internet today.

Advantages and disadvantages of TCP

One of the main advantages of the TCP protocol is its reliability. Following the designated rules and sequence of the transmission control protocol, TCP ensures that data is reliably sent and received in the same order. As a result, network applications can be confident that the data they are sending or receiving is accurate and complete. Additionally, TCP’s built-in error correction and flow-control features guarantee that connection-oriented issues, such as resending lost packets and controlling the data flow, are taken care of automatically.

Despite its advantages, TCP also comes with some disadvantages. One of the most significant drawbacks of the protocol is that it can be slow, especially compared to other connectionless protocols such as UDP. Additionally, Transmission Control Protocol requires an extensive amount of additional overhead information, resulting in more network traffic. This can lead to slower speeds and higher latency on networks with limited bandwidth. Finally, TCP is connection-oriented, meaning it cannot function properly on connectionless networks such as mobile networks. For these reasons, other protocols, such as UDP, are sometimes used instead.

The role of TCP in DNS

TCP plays an essential role in DNS (Domain Name System). It is explicitly used for resolving domain names, which means it sends the queries to the correct server and receives the response. To accomplish this task, Transmission Control Protocol uses a three-way handshake to establish the connection, followed by an exchange of requests, and then the client receives the response. After the response is received, the relationship must be closed. This is known as “graceful shutdown” and is handled by TCP. In this way, it provides an essential service to DNS, ensuring that data transmission is reliable and secure.

TCP monitoring – Everything you need to know

Conclusion

TCP is an essential part of the Internet Protocol Suite and is reliably used to send and receive data between two points. It provides an invaluable service to network applications with built-in error checking, retransmission capabilities, flow control, and gracefully closing connections. If you’re curious about how TCP works and why you should care, start by understanding its features, applications, and security implications.

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The Basics of DNS Monitoring

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The Domain Name System (DNS) is vital for your business to be accessible online. It is an essential element of your infrastructure, but its correct functioning can be stopped by different situations, at any time, hardware failure, configuration errors, cyber-attacks, etc. Therefore, it requires a permanent inspection to troubleshoot fast and avoid issues as much as possible.

DNS monitoring is a solution that can help you a lot in executing these tasks. Let’s explore its basics for a better understanding.

What does DNS Monitoring mean?

DNS monitoring service means the methodical inspection of your DNS infrastructure to guarantee its correct functioning. The constant execution of this process provides valuable information about different details related to the DNS of your business. Besides, it gives certainty about the overall status and performance of the DNS. Fast detection of issues and troubleshooting are some of the benefits of DNS monitoring. Moreover, it is a solid base to build your prevention and security strategies. Fixing before issues grow big means extra benefits for your budget.

Implementing Domain Name System monitoring means tight supervision of your DNS and its elements. DNS records (PTR, SRV, NS, MX, SOA, etc.), firewalls, IP addresses, servers (primary and secondary), traffic (incoming and outgoing), and more. It will check every detail of the DNS performance. It has the necessary features to detect errors or abnormal behavior and to report such situations to the responsible IT member, to react.

​The Basics of DNS Monitoring

  • DNS monitoring’s design includes modern technology to offer you tight inspection and details (information) of your DNS performance.
  • It is the most effective way to check your DNS and be aware of its functioning 24/7.
  • It does not fix issues, but it reports them fast for an expert to take action.
  • You or your IT team can monitor the DNS of your business, or you can get the service from a third party.
  • Downtime is another threat to your business and income. Different factors can cause it, and some can directly relate to the DNS. There is a big difference between discovering a failure after an hour or two and immediately. If your domain can’t be resolved, this will translate into errors and a poor experience for users. This is another area in which DNS monitoring can be very helpful. Some issues can be detected and fixed before they affect users.
  • Security is critical for all websites, applications, and networks. Customers need to trust your business to buy from you (products or services). Unfortunately, cybercrime is a constant threat you should not neglect. Cybercriminals can target your business and customers from remote locations and different time zones at any time. Criminals know, as well as you, the relevance of your DNS, so it is not rare they attack this infrastructure. DNS monitoring can detect the threat and report it to you to stop it. DNS monitoring truly contributes to strengthening your security.

Suggested article: Premium DNS: How to get started?

​Conclusion

DNS monitoring is a sharp-eyes vigilant. It can be your next big partner!

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Ping monitoring – Ensure uptime for your website

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Being sure that your website is available on the Internet is an essential task you shouldn’t neglect. To check it 24/7 sounds complicated for a human, but not for Ping monitoring. Let’s find out more about it!

What is a Ping?

Ping or Packet Inter-Network Groper is a basic software utility often used by administrators of computing networks to test if a computer is reachable on an IP network. A ping is a tool that works on pretty much all operating systems (OS) with networking capability.

Shortly explained, Ping sends an echo request message to the IP of the computer that is being checked. It uses the ICMP or Internet Control Message Protocol. Then, it waits for an echo reply.

Check out an amazing Ping Monitoring service!

What does Ping monitoring mean?

Ping monitoring means a method of tracking network computer systems or domain names through the use of the Ping utility. In practical terms, Ping monitoring means an automated option to check if a network device (IP) or domain address responds, the quality of the connection, and the overall health of a system.

Downtime is a big concern for website owners because, during this time, their business is unavailable for users. As a result, the sales and business image are at risk! In this sense, Ping monitoring also means an effective and automated way to detect if your website stops responding or is inaccessible due to an outage. It detects the issue and alerts you to take fast action.

How does Ping monitoring work?

Ping monitoring works by sending automated ICMP echo requests to the destination you want to check. Then, it waits for echo replies, and based on them, it informs you about incidents or just continues monitoring.

You only have to point out the device or website (IP) to be checked and decide the frequency for the checking.

There are many types of websites. For some, operating with 100% uptime is essential. The big advantage of automated monitoring is that it can work constantly. Choose what is best for your business. Some administrators program these checkings every 30 seconds, others every 10 or more minutes.

Getting a reply, without packet loss, for the requests Ping monitoring sends is the best health signal you can get. It means everything is fine, so the monitor can keep working. However, if there is packet loss, the monitor will report this data. That is very useful for diagnosing or improving.

Now you know the device (computer, laptop, smartphone, etc) or website is online. Additionally, the monitor will test the strength or quality of the connection. It does this based on the response time that the Ping took.

If the Ping doesn’t get a reply, the monitor will begin a downtime incident. So it will alert the people you previously defined as responsible in such situations.

Suggested article: How to use Monitoring services to improve your business?

Conclusion

Ping monitoring is a very useful tool to ensure uptime for your website! Let it be in charge of checking your essential devices while you make the best out of the business’ uptime.

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How to use Monitoring services to improve your business?

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Explanation of the Monitoring Service

The Monitoring service provides detailed information on the status of your servers, which you use for various services such as web, email, DNS, and others.

It enables you to monitor and comprehend the status of your servers continuously. You can identify several issues, such as component failure or high traffic, by routinely scanning your network. A service like this will notify you automatically if a problem occurs via email, text, or another method like webhooks.

Yes, this Monitoring service maintains a careful eye on the functionality of your IT services and recognizes and fixes any issues immediately. Additionally, it monitors the infrastructure by compiling Monitoring information from operational probes. The unprocessed data is compiled into statistics and made available via an intuitive user interface.

Which are the different types of Monitoring service checks?

The Monitoring service provides many tests to help you determine a service’s status. There are various ways to analyze a service’s uptime or downtime. In addition, you are informed if a check is unsuccessful. Here are a few examples of the most typical check types:

  • ICMP Ping check

Ping Monitoring check offers details on network activity involving a specific domain or IP address. The system tests an IP address using the ICMP ping protocol. A certain threshold, such as 50%, must be met for the check to be judged ineffective.

  • TCP Monitoring check

TCP Monitoring system establishes a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) connection using the supplied IP address (IPv4 or IPv6) and port number.

  • DNS Monitoring check

DNS (Domain Name System) is the next element on our list. DNS Monitoring performs a DNS query for the hostname specified by you or your administrator. You can also select the query type for the given IP address.

  • UDP Monitoring check

It establishes a UDP (User Datagram Protocol) connection to the specified IP address (IPv4 or IPv6) and port number. If it fails, it is marked as DOWN.

Is the Monitoring service costly?

Certainly not! There is an entirely free Monitoring service. It provides the service’s essential features. As a result, it includes fewer Monitoring checks, shorter Monitoring intervals, and longer log retention days. In other words, Free Monitoring is better suited for small businesses with low query and web traffic. However, if your company is large, you should select the Monitoring service from the paid plans.

Recommended article: Premium DNS: How to get started?

Conclusion

In the end, a Monitoring service is vital for your company to operate effectively and without incident. It reduces downtime, improves visibility, and finds problems. Therefore, isn’t it good to try it? Good fortune!

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Premium DNS: How to get started?

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If you are getting many DNS queries for your domain, and your current nameserver or nameservers can’t handle it, you need Premium DNS. It is a service that will facilitate your domain’s DNS resolution and better manage the DNS queries.

What is Premium DNS?

A Premium DNS is a paid DNS service for managing your domains. The difference from a free DNS plan will be in price, performance, additional features, higher limits on resources (NS records, DNS queries, etc.), or even unlimited resources in some cases.

Before you purchase a Premium DNS plan

  • Which market or markets do you target?

Check where the potential DNS providers have their DNS servers. Even the global providers don’t cover the world equally.

  • How many DNS queries per month your DNS service must be able to handle?

There are some unlimited plans, but they might be out of your reach. Check how many queries you need. You can do it with a Free plan and check when you will reach your limits.

  • How many DNS records do you need?

Even Premium plans have limits on the number of DNS records. So yes, you will probably be able to host thousands of records, but still, it is good to know in advance.

  • Do you need any additional features?

DDNS, DNSSEC, load balancing, GeoDNS, etc. There are plenty of useful features that only Premium plans offer. Check what you need.

Compare Premium DNS providers

When you finally know what you need, go ahead and check the Premium DNS providers. Compare their prices and offers. See what works best for you.

Purchase Premium DNS

Now that you have already made your choice get familiar with its interface. Check the menus and how everything works. If you don’t like how it works, usually there is a period with a money-back guarantee.

  • Choose the nameservers you want to use

There will be multiple nameservers available. Start using those that are located in places close to your visitors. That way, the queries will get answered fast, and the performance will be better.

  • Redirect your domain from your registrar or previous DNS provider

Otherwise, the new ones won’t start working properly.

  • Create Primary or Secondary DNS zones

Depending on your needs, you will need a Primary zone or zones in which you can host your DNS records and Secondary DNS zones for better performance.

  • Create DNS records inside the Primary DNS zone.

Inside the Primary zones, you can add the records you need: A, AAAA, MX, CNAME, etc. The Secondary DNS servers will copy the information from the Primary and will offer it to the public.

Activate additional features

Now that everything is working, you can also start using the advanced features that only Premium DNS plans offer.

Activate a DNS monitor to keep an eye on your network and add Failover in case of problems.

Create load balancing methods and increase the performance.

Put attention to security with DNSSEC, DMARC, DKIM, SPF, etc.

Conclusion

Now you know how to get started with Premium DNS. Go ahead and enjoy your awesome new DNS service.