A data feed connects a data source (i.e., a native NS1 monitor, API webhook, or third-party integration) with a DNS record or answer metadata. You can create a data feed from an existing data source, and then connect the feed to an answer (i.e., endpoint) within a DNS record. As network conditions change, the data feed adjusts the corresponding answer metadata so that, upon each DNS query, the requesting client is directed to the best endpoint from the answer pool within the record.
When you create a data source, you have the option to create the first associated data feed, but you can also create the data feeds after data source creation via the NS1 portal or API.
Follow the instructions below to create a data feed from an existing data source via the NS1 portal.
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Navigate to Integrations > Incoming Feeds to see all existing data sources and their associated data feeds.
Note
The label to the upper-right of the data source icon represents the number of existing data feeds currently associated with it.
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Under Add a Feed to a Configured Data Source, click the icon corresponding to the data source you want to which you want to add a data feed.
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Enter a name for the data feed (for internal reference) and complete the additional form fields. The specific fields depend on the type of data source you selected. For example, if you are creating a data feed from a native NS1 API webhook, you are prompted to enter a label (e.g., a specific server or facility name). Typically, third-party data sources require specific information to map the data feed to an object in their network.
Once complete, click Submit.
Now, you can associate the data feed with an answer (i.e., endpoint) within a DNS record, and then configure a Filter Chain for the record to define how each DNS query will be processed. Each filter in the Filter Chain references the metadata of every answer in the record and uses a unique processing logic — typically, to sort or eliminate answers if they fail to meet specific conditions — to return the best answer to the requester.