Introduction

Domain Name System tracing follows each authoritative nameserver that answers for a domain. You see the delegation chain that starts at the root zone and ends with the servers holding the final address records. Understanding this path helps you verify configuration and pinpoint propagation issues.

The tool interrogates every zone step-by-step, shows the responsible nameservers, and resolves the target’s A records. It performs look-ups through an encrypted resolver and returns a concise table plus a shareable JSON view, giving you both human-readable and machine-ready insights.

You can confirm newly configured DNS, audit external infrastructure, or capture evidence for support tickets. Results reflect the resolver’s perspective and may differ from other networks.

Technical Details:

The application runs entirely in your browser and queries an external DNS-over-HTTPS endpoint. A reactive interface updates as each response arrives, and clipboard plus download actions never leave the client context. No state persists beyond your current session.

Encrypted DNS queries

All look-ups use DNS-over-HTTPS to keep requests private and tamper-resistant in transit.

Authoritative hop discovery

An iterative algorithm builds the delegation list from the root zone down to the fully qualified domain.

Live table rendering

The interface refreshes each row as soon as its nameserver set is known, so you follow progress in real time.

JSON export & copy

A formatted view highlights keys, strings, and numbers; one click copies or downloads the raw trace file.

One-tap IP clipboard

Resolved addresses appear as buttons; select any to copy it instantly and receive visual confirmation.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Enter the target name into the Domain: input field.
2. Press the Trace button or hit Enter to start the lookup.
3. Watch the Trace tab fill with zone, nameserver, and hop numbers.
4. Select any IP badge to copy that address to your clipboard.
5. Switch to the JSON tab for the structured result.
6. Use Copy JSON to place the formatted text on the clipboard.
7. Choose Download JSON to save the file locally.

FAQ:

What is a hop?

Each hop represents one authoritative zone delegation on the path from the root nameserver to your domain.

Is my data stored?

No. Queries run in the browser; only the resolver receives DNS packets, and the app keeps no logs.

Why do I see “No A record”?

The target zone did not return an IPv4 address. Check for AAAA or CNAME records instead.

Can I trace sub-domains?

Yes. Enter any full hostname; the tool still climbs each parent zone until it reaches the root.

Does it support IPv6?

Currently it resolves A records only. An upcoming update will add AAAA look-ups.

Troubleshooting:

• “Trace failed” appears instantly → Verify internet connectivity and try again.
• No rows populate → The domain may be malformed; remove trailing dots or spaces.
• Unexpected nameservers → Your registrar’s glue records might be outdated; contact support.
• Empty IP list → The zone delegates properly but lacks A records; add them in the authoritative DNS.
• Copy buttons unresponsive → Browser clipboard permissions are disabled; enable them or use another browser.

Advanced Tips:

• Append a trailing dot inside the input to test absolute FQDN handling.
• Capture multiple traces quickly by opening new tabs; each runs independently.
• Compare before-and-after JSON files with a diff tool to track DNS changes.
• Use browser developer tools to inspect the raw DNS-over-HTTPS responses for troubleshooting.
• Combine the JSON output with command-line utilities to automate monitoring scripts.

Glossary:

Authoritative

Server legally responsible for a zone.

Delegation

Process of referring queries to child nameservers.

FQDN

Fully Qualified Domain Name including every label.

Glue Record

Address record stored at the parent zone to locate child nameservers.

DNS-over-HTTPS

Protocol that sends DNS queries through HTTPS for privacy.