The internet is a fantastic tool to use, but it can be daunting to learn the more technical parts. That is why we have started this 101 series; to easily break down fundamentals of the internet to help you better understand how things work.
Today’s topic is DNS, which is a term commonly thrown around but understood by a very small number in the community. Let’s get started!
What does DNS mean?
DNS stands for Domain Name System, and is used to point domain names (e.g. fluccs.com.au) to IP addresses (e.g. 115.178.16.48) that host data for said domain and make it accessible on the internet.
Why do I need to know what it does?
DNS provides the functionality for a domain name.
Having a domain name without DNS records is like having garage sale sign with no date, time, or address for garage sale!
DNS Record Types
Commonly Used
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| A | Maps domain names to IPv4 addresses |
| AAAA | Maps domain names to IPv6 addresses |
| ALIAS | Auto resolved alias; points your domain name to a hostname instead of an IP address |
| CNAME | Canonical name for an alias; redirects a domain to a different domain |
| MX | Mail eXchange; provides the domain names of mail servers that receive emails on behalf of a domain |
| NS | Name Server; provides a list of the authoritative name servers responsible for the domain |
| PTR | Pointer; resolves IPv4 or IPv6 addresses to domain names |
| SOA | Start Of Authority; provides important details about a DNS zone; required for every DNS zone |
| SRV | Service Record; specifies a host and port for specific services such as voice over IP (VoIP), instant messaging, and so on. |
| TXT | Descriptive text; provides any type of descriptive information in text format, also used for SPF records |
Records types used for DNSSEC
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| DNSKEY | DNSSEC key; contains a public signing key for configuring DNSSEC. |
| DS | Delegation Signer; used to secure delegations (DNSSEC) |
| NSEC | Next Secure; Contains a link to the next record name in the zone and lists the record types that exist for the record's name |
| NSEC3 | Next Secure v.3; Contains links to the next record name in the zone (in hashed name sorting order) and lists the record types that exist for the name covered by the hash value in the first label of the NSEC3 record's own name. |
| NSEC3PARAM | NSEC3 Parameters; used by authoritative DNS servers to calculate and determine which NSEC3-records to include in responses to DNSSEC requests for non-existing names/types |
| RRSIG | RRset Signature; contains the signature for an RRset with a particular name, class, and type |
How do I manage my DNS?
In short, you can find where your DNS is managed by looking at the NS records for your domain name. You can find these details by using a free tool like intoDNS.com.
With Domain Central, you can manage your DNS from within your Client Area account. To learn how to manage your DNS with us, click here.
How do I choose which DNS management tool to use?
When you register a domain name, the you will given the option to add your own name servers. If you don’t, they will automatically bet set to the registrar’s default name servers.
Most registrars allow you to manage your DNS through their client portal, but if not you can contact their support so they can make any changes you need.
You also have the option to use a third-party service, such as Cloudflare, or use your own hosting. Simply input the name servers for your hosting and wait a 1-2 hours for the new name servers to propagate.
If you have any further questions about DNS or would like Fluccs to manage your DNS, contact us by submitting a support ticket from your Client Area account!