Networking Guide
Chapter 6, Configuring the Domain Name Service

AFSDB (DCE or AFS server) resource record

AFSDB (DCE or AFS server) resource record

AFSDB records specify the hosts that provide a style of distributed service advertised under this domain name. A subtype value (analogous to the ``preference'' value in the MX record) indicates which style of distributed service is provided with the given name. Subtype 1 indicates that the named host is an AFS® database server for the AFS cell of the given domain name. Subtype 2 indicates that the named host provides intra-cell name service for the DCE® cell named by the given domain name.

Here is an example AFSDB record:

   name    {ttl}   addr-class   AFSDB   subtype   mail exchanger
   mynet.COM.              IN   AFSDB   1         missouri.mynet.COM.
   mynet.COM.              IN   AFSDB   1         yukon.mynet.COM.
   mynet.COM.              IN   AFSDB   2         nile.mynet.COM.
In the example above, missouri.mynet.COM and yukon.mynet.COM are declared to be AFS database servers for the mynet.COM AFS cell, so that AFS clients wishing service from nile.COM are directed to those two hosts for further information. The third record declares that nile.mynet.COM houses a directory server for the root of the DCE cell mynet.COM, so that DCE clients that wish to refer to DCE services should consult with the host nile.mynet.COM for further information. The DCE subtype of record is usually accompanied by a TXT record for other information specifying other details to be used in accessing the DCE cell. RFC 1183 contains more detailed information on the use of this record type.

The AFSDB record is still experimental; not all name servers implement or recognize it.