Methods common to Test Case Specifications (version 1)

This is a list of generic Methods used in many Test Case specifications. The Test Cases that makes use of any of these Methods should link directly to this text.

This document holds version 1 of the set of Methods. Version 2 is defined in MethodsV2. Methods from version 1 will be replaced by Methods from version 2 in all Test Case specifications.

Before the transition all Test Cases specifications use version 1 (this document). During the transition it will be stated in each specification if the Test Case uses Methods from version 1 (this document) or Methods from version 2 (MethodsV2). When the transition is completed, this document will be removed.

Method 1: Obtain the parent domain

This Method tries to obtain the parent domain from the domain used as input to this Method.

  1. A recursive SOA-record lookup for the child domain name starting at the root domain should be done, and the steps of the process recorded.
  2. If the recursion reaches a name server that responds with a redirect directly to the requested domain, including functional glue, the test succeeds. The domain through which the name server was found is considered the parent domain.
  3. If the recursion reaches a name server that authoritatively responds with NXDOMAIN for the child domain, the test succeeds. The domain through which the name server was found is considered the parent domain.

Method 2: Obtain "glue Name records" from parent

This Method tries to obtain the authoritative name servers from the delegation of the parent domain.

  1. Obtain the parent domain as input from Method 1.
  2. Send a query to the parent domain asking for the list of name servers authoritative for the domain that is being tested
  3. Record the list of name servers obtained from the authority section

Method 3: Obtain name servers from child

Just as in Method 2, this Method tries to obtain the name servers configured for the child zone from the child domain itself.

  1. A NS query for the domain is made to all listed name servers obtained from Method 2.
  2. Record all the unique name servers from the answers received from the query in step 1.

Method 4: Obtain "glue address records" from parent

This Method tries to obtain any glue address records from the delegation in the parent zone.

  1. Query the servers in Method 2 for A and AAAA addresses.
  2. Record the unique IP addresses from the answers (both A and AAAA) in the additional section, which are the glue address records for the domain.

Method 5: Obtain the name server address records from child

This Method tries to obtain the IP addresses for the name servers used in the child zone.

  1. Send an A query to all name servers obtained in Method 3.
  2. Record the list of unique IPv4 addresses in the answer section.
  3. Send an AAAA query to all name servers obtained in Method 3.
  4. Record the list of unique IPv6 addresses in the answer section.