DNS 5 REFUSED vs 17 BADKEY
Both DNS 5 (REFUSED) and 17 (BADKEY) belong to the DNS Response Codes (RCODEs) category. 5 indicates that query refused. The name server refuses to perform the requested operation for policy reasons. Meanwhile, 17 means that key not recognized. The TSIG key name in the message is not configured on the server.
Description
Query refused. The name server refuses to perform the requested operation for policy reasons.
When You See It
The server rejected your query due to access control — for example, a recursive resolver that only serves its own network, or a zone transfer blocked by ACL.
How to Fix
Check the server's allow-query, allow-recursion, or allow-transfer ACLs. If you are not authorized to use this resolver, switch to a public DNS service.
Description
Key not recognized. The TSIG key name in the message is not configured on the server.
When You See It
Your TSIG-signed query or update references a key name that the server does not have in its keyring, so it cannot verify the signature.
How to Fix
Ensure the TSIG key name matches exactly (case-sensitive) on both client and server. Add the missing key to the server's configuration if it is a new key.
Key Differences
DNS 5: Query refused. The name server refuses to perform the requested operation for policy reasons.
DNS 17: Key not recognized. The TSIG key name in the message is not configured on the server.
You encounter 5 when the server rejected your query due to access control — for example, a recursive resolver that only serves its own network, or a zone transfer blocked by ACL.
You encounter 17 when your TSIG-signed query or update references a key name that the server does not have in its keyring, so it cannot verify the signature.
When to Use Which
For 5 (REFUSED): Check the server's allow-query, allow-recursion, or allow-transfer ACLs. If you are not authorized to use this resolver, switch to a public DNS service. For 17 (BADKEY): Ensure the TSIG key name matches exactly (case-sensitive) on both client and server. Add the missing key to the server's configuration if it is a new key.