NSD (Name Server Daemon)

Spec sheet

Purpose

NSD is an authoritative DNS name server designed for speed, reliability, stability, and security.Read 29 Sep 2026 · nlnetlabs.nl

Intended users

The project identifies TLD operators, DNS root servers, and others needing a fast authoritative name server as suitable users.Read 29 Sep 2026 · nlnetlabs.nl

Platforms

The download page says Linux and *BSD sources and binaries are available through package managers or ports collections.Read 29 Sep 2026 · nlnetlabs.nl

Security

NSD is covered by a security patch policy, and the project publishes security advisories and security reporting information.Read 29 Sep 2026 · nlnetlabs.nl

Headquarters

Amsterdam, NetherlandsRead 28 Sep 2026 · nlnetlabs.nl

Founded

1999Read 28 Sep 2026 · nlnetlabs.nl

Community support

Community support is best effort through the NLnet Labs forum, while the project commits to fixing security issues and software bugs.Read 29 Sep 2026 · nlnetlabs.nl

Current release

The download page lists NSD 4.15.2 as the current version, dated 02 September, 2026.Read 29 Sep 2026 · nlnetlabs.nl

Maintainer

NSD is developed and maintained by NLnet Labs, a non-profit Public Benefit Organisation.Read 29 Sep 2026 · nlnetlabs.nl

No recursive caching

NSD does not implement recursive caching; NLnet Labs points users needing a validating recursive caching resolver to Unbound.Read 29 Sep 2026 · nlnetlabs.nl

Performance

The project says NSD is designed for high query rates and includes simdzone, a high-performance DNS presentation format parser.Read 29 Sep 2026 · nlnetlabs.nl

Professional support

Paid support contracts offer direct access to the development team at different service levels; pricing is available by contacting Open Netlabs.Read 29 Sep 2026 · nlnetlabs.nl

Protocol features

The 4.15.2 release notes list EDNS0 padding support with DNS over TLS, additional RR types and SVCB service parameter keys, and PROXYv2 access control options.Read 29 Sep 2026 · nlnetlabs.nl

Standards

NSD aims to serve as a reference implementation for emerging IETF standards and implements accepted RFCs according to their specifications.Read 29 Sep 2026 · nlnetlabs.nl

Support terms

The listed Gold, Silver, and Bronze support levels have response times of 4, 12, and 24 hours respectively, with service details varying by level.Read 29 Sep 2026 · nlnetlabs.nl

Plans and prices

Every NSD (Name Server Daemon) plan and price →

Where Specifiction places it

• DNS Server Software#11 of 237.7