DNS TTL in Runet 2026: Benchmark

• Before migrating to a new IP — lower TTL to 300s 2-3 days ahead (so resolver caches refresh)
• After migration — return TTL to 3600-14400s (fewer DNS queries → cheaper and faster)
• TTL for stateless APIs: 60-300s (failover beats performance)
• TTL for NS records: high (86400s) — they rarely change, and cache protects resolvers from spam
• TTL < 60 seconds — overkill and hammers Google/Cloudflare resolver infrastructure

The analysis covers the top .ru domains based on SimilarWeb data. DNS records were queried using dig commands to retrieve A, MX, NS, and TXT records directly from the authoritative DNS servers, ensuring that cache was bypassed. The platform was identified through the SOA RNAME. The median TTL values for A-records varied significantly across different platforms, with REG.RU DNS showing a median of 14400 seconds, while Cloudflare DNS had a notably shorter median of 300 seconds.

The DNS Time to Live (TTL) benchmark highlights optimal values for reducing latency and improving cache efficiency. A standard TTL of 300 seconds is recommended for dynamic content, while static resources can benefit from a TTL of 86400 seconds. Monitoring tools can help analyze TTL performance across different domains, ensuring compliance with best practices to enhance user experience and reduce DNS query load.

DNS TTL (Time to Live) is a crucial parameter that dictates how long a DNS record is cached by resolvers and clients. This caching impacts both the speed and efficiency of web services. In a world where speed is paramount, understanding the implications of various TTL settings can provide a competitive edge.

For instance, a shorter TTL (e.g., 300 seconds) is often recommended for frequently changing records, such as load balancers or dynamic IP addresses. This allows for quicker updates to DNS records, ensuring users are directed to the most current server. Conversely, a longer TTL (e.g., 86400 seconds) is suitable for static resources, such as images or scripts, as it reduces the DNS query load and improves response times for repeat visitors.

Consider the following scenario: a website changes its hosting provider, and the DNS record needs to be updated. If the TTL was set to 86400 seconds, users may still be directed to the old IP address for up to 24 hours, resulting in downtime or degraded performance. By contrast, a TTL of 300 seconds allows for rapid propagation of the new DNS information, minimizing potential disruptions.

Best Practices for Setting DNS TTL

• Dynamic Content: Use a TTL of 300 seconds to ensure quick updates.
• Static Content: Opt for a TTL of 86400 seconds to optimize caching.
• Monitor Performance: Regularly review DNS performance metrics to adjust TTL settings as needed.

To illustrate how to configure DNS TTL settings, consider using BIND (Berkeley Internet Name Domain), one of the most widely used DNS server software. Below is a sample configuration that sets different TTL values for various record types.

zone "example.com" IN {
    type master;
    file "db.example.com";
    // Set default TTL for the zone
    $TTL 86400;
}

record A example.com 300 IN A 192.0.2.1
record CNAME www 300 IN CNAME example.com.
record MX 86400 IN MX 10 mail.example.com.
record TXT 86400 IN TXT "v=spf1 include:_spf.example.com ~all"

In this configuration:

• The zone file sets a default TTL of 86400 seconds for the entire domain.
• A specific A record for example.com is configured with a TTL of 300 seconds, allowing for quick updates if needed.
• The CNAME record for www also inherits the short TTL, ensuring users always reach the correct server.
• MX and TXT records have a longer TTL, reflecting their stability and infrequent changes.

By adjusting these TTL settings, website administrators can optimize DNS performance based on content type and update frequency, thereby enhancing overall user experience.