Netnod deploys new DNS root server in the Faroe Islands to strengthen digital resilience

Netnod, the Swedish-based provider of critical Internet infrastructure, in cooperation with domain registry Økisnavn and network operator NET, has deployed a new instance of the i-root server in Tórshavn. This marks the second DNS root server instance in the Faroe Islands.

The new deployment represents a major advancement for digital resilience in the Faroe Islands, providing operator diversity, technical redundancy, and increased stability for all Internet users in the region.

With the new i-root instance in Tórshavn, DNS lookups in the Faroe Islands can rely on two independent local root servers. This means improved stability and resilience, but also faster responses, especially during periods of high load or global Internet disruption.

“Adding a second local root server instance makes the Internet on the Faroe Islands more robust,” said Guðrun Poulsen, CEO of Økisnavn, the organization responsible for the country code top-level domain .fo. “With direct access to root services from more than one global operator, the local Internet becomes stronger, faster, and more secure.”

Previously, the Faroe Islands depended on a single local root server instance. While this provided valuable local access, it also created a single-provider dependency.

With the deployment of a second root server from a second provider, the Faroe Islands will benefit from:

• Organisational redundancy – Root services from two independent global operators.
• Technical diversity – Different infrastructures reduce the risk that a bug, outage, or attack affecting one operator impacts the other.
• Continuous availability – Traffic can automatically shift between servers during maintenance or unexpected downtime.

Netnod is one of only 12 organisations worldwide trusted to operate a DNS root server. The deployment in Tórshavn builds on Netnod’s long-standing commitment to strengthening the DNS at both the global and local level.

In addition to root DNS service, Netnod also provides the authoritative DNS service for the national Faroese top-level domain .fo. With Netnod servicing both the top of the DNS hierarchy (the root) and .fo, local Internet users benefit from:

• Local DNS traffic that stays within the islands
• Faster and more reliable DNS responses
• Critical services that remain resilient even during global Internet disruptions

”With Netnod operating both the i-root instance and the .fo TLD service, DNS in the Faroe Islands becomes more local and more resilient – from the very top of the hierarchy down to the national domain,” said Joel Söderman, Business Manager DNS at Netnod.

More information about Netnod’s DNS services.

What are DNS root servers and why are they important?

DNS root servers sit at the very top of the Internet’s Domain Name System hierarchy. They act as the entry point to the global DNS database – the global index that directs DNS clients to the correct part of the DNS “tree,” such as .fo, .com, or .org. 

For further information, please contact:
Henrik Ishihara
Head of External Communications and Public Policy
ishihara@netnod.se
+46 70 723 67 96

Netnod provides critical infrastructure services essential for an open, secure and robust Internet. These range from interconnection services and Internet Exchanges to time services, domain management, DNS services and root server operations. With a global reputation for technical expertise, Netnod ensures the robustness of the digital ecosystem in the Nordics and beyond. As an operator-neutral provider, Netnod is owned by the non-profit foundation TU-stiftelsen (Stiftelsen för Telematikens utveckling), ensuring a focus on long-term infrastructure stability.