When querying a site identify utilizing the command-line device `nslookup`, receiving two completely different IP addresses can point out a couple of situations. This usually happens with the firewall and router software program, pfSense. As an example, a dual-WAN setup the place pfSense manages two web connections would return two distinct addresses, every similar to a separate gateway. Alternatively, it would level to a server with a number of community interfaces or a round-robin DNS configuration distributing visitors throughout a number of servers.
Understanding the explanation for twin responses is essential for community administration and troubleshooting. It permits directors to confirm configurations, comparable to failover or load balancing. Traditionally, load balancing and redundancy have been essential for guaranteeing service availability. Fashionable implementations with software program like pfSense additional improve these capabilities by providing subtle visitors administration. Having perception into the underlying DNS decision helps diagnose potential community points and optimize efficiency.