Abstract: A domain name server, DNS, for Internet Protocol or Intranet Protocol networks, that has a non-cached domain name server connected to a cached domain name server, and a query server that is connected to both the non-cached DNS and the cached DNS. The query server balances the query load between the DNSs. The query server compares counts of outstanding queries of each DNS and assigns the next query to the DNS with the fewer outstanding counts, unless the query is a special type known as an authoratative query. All authoratative queries are processed by the non-cached DNS. This is because the DNS information stored in the non-cached server is more carefully updated so its information has a higher level of correctness than the information in the cached DNS. Periodic updating of the non-cached DNS keeps its information at this higher level of correctness.

Abstract: A method for determining the In Service/Out of Service status of an Orchestrated Entity (OE) by each processor-based device in the Orchestrated Entity self-determining its In Service/Out of Service status. The method is rule-based and provides, in reaching a determination of In Service status by a device, greater resilience to failure of other devices comprising the OE. Resilience is determined both by the rule applied in determining In Service status and by the importance assigned to the various devices comprising the OE, that importance having an assigned value.