MekongNet, Cambodia’s largest Internet Service Provider, in partnership with the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) and the Internet Systems Consortium, launched an f-root server in August 2010.The nation’s first root server, deployed in Phnom Penh, has been operational since July.  There are a total of 13 root servers in the world and the f-root server has 49 instances around the globe.

As part of the root server launch in Phnom Penh, MekongNet and APNIC conducted a DNS and DNSSEC (DNS Security) workshop for interested community members.  Mr Champika Wijayatunga, APNIC Training Manager said the workshop introduced the benefits of the new root server to the Cambodian community.

“We would like to give the Cambodian community the opportunity to learn about the benefits of having a root server in Cambodia as well as best practices in DNS infrastructure management,” Mr. Wijayatunga said.

Since 2007, APNIC and MekongNet have collaborated to provide APNIC Training courses to the Cambodian Internet community.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Wijayatunga explained the dynamics of root servers as well as their strategic benefits, saying, “Launching the first root server in Cambodia will bring significant improvements in both speed and reliability to Internet users in Cambodia.  This is especially so in terms of faster domain resolution and increased resilience, which means an overall increase in the speed and reliability of Internet access for users.”

APNIC Director General Paul Wilson added: “The deployment of this root server in Cambodia is a positive example of the way rapid development of the Internet in the Asia Pacific is being supported through collaborative work between APNIC as the Regional Internet Registry and members of the Asia Pacific Internet community.

“APNIC aims to support these developing economies by meeting the increasing demands for training and other services,” Mr Wilson said.
Root servers are a critical part of the Internet’s DNS, providing information about authoritative servers for Top Level Domains (TLDs).  Computers need this information to support many types of Internet activities, like interpreting URLs and email addresses.

As one of five Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) in the world, the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) is a not-for-profit, membership-based organization charged with ensuring the fair distribution of IP addresses and the related numeric resources in the Asia Pacific region. Responsible management of these resources is vital for the stable and reliable operation of the Internet.

Internet Systems Consortium, Inc. (ISC) is a non-profit public benefit corporation dedicated to supporting the infrastructure of the universal connected self-organizing InternetÑand the autonomy of its participantsÑby developing and maintaining core production quality software, protocols, and operations.

Since 1994, ISC has operated F-Root (one of the 13 root DNS servers) as a public service to the Internet.

“MekongNet” is a registered trademark under Angkor Data Communication Group Co., Ltd, established in 2005. It is a fully-fledged Internet Service Provider, with a license for the provision of Internet Service Provider (ISP) and Internet Exchange Provider (IXP) granted by the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications of Cambodia. “MekongNet” has invested heavily in developing the Cambodian telecom industry, including more than two years spent delivering the latest, high-quality technology at exceptional value. Recognized as a serious and aggressive technology player with the ability to provide a wide range of 24/7 high-speed Wireless & Optical Fiber last-mile technology Internet access options to residential and corporate customers.

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