DNS Records Explained

What Are DNS Records?

DNS Records, or Domain Name System Records, are pieces of information stored in a DNS server that map domain names to IP addresses and other resources. When a user types a domain name into their browser, the browser sends a DNS query to a DNS server to retrieve the IP address associated with that domain name. The DNS server then looks up the DNS records associated with that domain name to find the correct IP address and other resources.

There are several types of DNS records, each serving a specific purpose. These records contain information that guides internet traffic to the correct servers hosting websites, emails, or other online services associated with a domain.

Different types of DNS records serve distinct purposes, like specifying IP addresses, aliases, mail servers, and text-based information, ensuring seamless communication and accessibility across the internet.

Here are some common ones:

A Records

An A record (Address record) is a DNS record that maps a domain name to an IPv4 address. For example, an A record can be used to map www.example.com to the IP address 192.168.0.1.

AAAA Records

An A record (Address record) is a DNS record that maps a domain name to an IPv4 address. For example, an A record can be used to map www.example.com to the IP address 192.168.0.1.

CNAME Records

A CNAME record (Canonical Name record) is a DNS record that creates an alias for a domain name. It allows a domain to be known by multiple names or subdomains. This can be advantageous when operating multiple services using a single IP address. For example, a CNAME record can be used to point blog.example.com to www.example.com, so that when users visit blog.example.com, they are redirected to www.example.com. CNAME records are commonly used for subdomains, such as mail.example.com or ftp.example.com.

MX Records

An MX record (Mail Exchange record) is a DNS record that specifies the mail server responsible for receiving email messages sent to a particular domain. When someone sends an email to user@example.com, the MX record for example.com tells the sender's email server where to send the email. MX records are essential for email delivery and are typically configured by the email service provider.

NS Records

An NS record (Name Server record) is a DNS record that specifies the authoritative name servers for a particular domain. NS records are used to delegate control of subdomains and allow domain owners to specify which name servers are responsible for handling DNS queries for their domain.

TXT Records

A TXT record (Text record) is a DNS record that allows domain owners to add arbitrary text to their DNS records. TXT records are often used to provide additional information about a domain, such as ownership verification or SPF (Sender Policy Framework) records that verify which email servers are allowed to send emails on behalf of the domain. TXT records can also be used for other purposes, such as setting up domain verification for Google Search Console or providing a description of the domain's purpose.

SRV Records

An SRV record (Service Locator record) is a DNS record that specifies the location of a service on a domain. SRV records are often used for specific services such as SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) or XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol). For example, an SRV record can be used to specify the location of a SIP server for a particular domain.

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