DNS Records Explained: Types, Functions, And Management

A DNS record is essential for a registered domain and online services. They connect your domain name to the correct web server, email system, or other tools your site needs. Without these records, your website may not load, and emails might not reach their destination. This blog covers DNS records explained in simple terms. You’ll learn what DNS records are, the different types, what each one does, and how to manage them step by step.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• DNS records help your domain name connect to the right web server, email service, and other tools.
• There are common and less common DNS records you can use, depending on your needs.
• Each record has a type, value, and TTL, which controls how long it stays in memory.
• DNS records are stored on nameservers and managed through your domain registrar or hosting provider.
• You can use DNS records to set up websites, email accounts, and subdomains and improve security.
• Because of propagation delays, changes to DNS records take time to update across the Internet.
• Always double-check values, avoid typos, and back up your settings before updating.
• Managing DNS correctly ensures your site loads, emails are sent, and services run smoothly.

DNS Records Explained

What is a DNS Record? Domain Name System (DNS) records are small instructions that tell the internet how to handle your domain name. Each record has a clear structure and is essential to ensure your website, emails, and services function properly.

Every DNS record has 4 main parts:

1. Name: This is usually your domain name.
2. Type: This indicates the record type, such as A, CNAME, or MX. Each type has a different task.
3. Value: This is the data the record points to. For example, an A record may point to the 192.0.2.1 IP address.
4. Time to Live (TTL): This tells internet systems how long the record must be stored before checking for updates. TTL is written in seconds, and one common value is 3600 (1 hour).

These records are stored in a DNS zone file, which is maintained on nameservers, special computers that respond to DNS requests. When someone visits your website or sends you an email, their computer asks your domain’s nameserver for the right DNS record. The nameserver reads the zone file and sends back the correct information.

TTL is an essential part of a DNS record. It controls how long other systems remember the record. A shorter TTL means updates happen faster, which is useful if you make changes to your DNS settings. A longer TTL means fewer DNS lookups, which can help speed things up once everything is set correctly.

By understanding how DNS records are created and stored, you can manage your domain settings more confidently and avoid issues when moving websites, updating email addresses, or making other changes.

The Operation of DNS Records Explained

When you type a domain name in your browser, your computer needs to find the exact location of that website on the Internet. That’s where the Domain Name System (DNS) comes in. It matches website names to their real locations, called IP addresses.

To make this match work, DNS uses special rules called DNS records. These records tell the internet where to send your website visitors, how to handle your emails, and how to verify your domain with different services. Without the right DNS records, your website may not load, and your emails may not reach their intended destination.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what happens:

1. The web browser sends a request to a DNS resolver.
2. The resolver asks a nameserver which IP address is your domain.
3. The nameserver looks at the DNS records saved for that domain and sends back the correct IP address.
4. Once the browser gets the IP address, it connects to the web server and loads your website.

If any part of this chain is incorrect, perhaps the DNS record points to the wrong IP or the nameserver isn’t set up right, your site won’t load. This is why DNS needs to be accurate. Even a small mistake in a record leads to errors, slowdowns, or visitors being unable to reach your website. DNS records may work in the background, but they play a big role in helping people find your site online.

Types of DNS Records & Their Functions

DNS records come in different types, each with a particular job. Let’s look at the most common types first and what they do. Later, we’ll quickly go through the unpopular DNS record types.

A Record (Address Record)

The A record connects your domain name to an IPv4 address – a number, e.g. 192.0.2.1. This is one of the most important records. It tells browsers where your website is hosted. Without it, your website won’t load.

AAAA Record

Like the A record, the AAAA record links your domain to an IPv6 address. IPv6 addresses are longer and are used in newer networks. This record is helpful if your hosting provider supports IPv6.

CNAME Record (Canonical Name)

A CNAME record redirects one domain name to another. For example, you can use a CNAME to send people from www.example.com to example.com. This is useful when you want both domain versions to show the same site.

MX Record (Mail Exchange)

An MX record handles your domain’s email. It tells the internet where to send your emails. MX records often have priority numbers. A lower number means higher priority. This controls which mail server should be used first.

TXT Record

This record holds plain text information. It’s not used for browsing or email directly, but it’s important for security and verification. You may need TXT records for SPF to prevent spam, DKIM to verify that emails have not been modified, or to verify your website with services like Google Search Console.

NS Record (Name Server)

NS records list the nameservers responsible for your domain. These servers store your DNS records and answer requests for your domain. If your NS records are incorrect, your domain won’t work because it can’t find the right DNS information.

SRV Record

SRV records provide additional information for specific services. They include the service name, port number, and server address. SRV records are often used for Voice Over IP (VoIP).

PTR Record (Pointer Record)

A PTR record is used for reverse DNS. Instead of turning a domain into an IP address, it does the opposite: it points an IP address back to a domain name. This is helpful for email servers and security checks.

SOA Record (Start of Authority)

This record contains important details about your domain, such as the admin’s email address, how often your DNS info should be updated, and other technical settings. It’s the first record in every DNS zone file.

Each DNS record ensures your website, email, and services work smoothly and securely. Knowing what they do helps you make the right changes when setting up or fixing your domain.

Less Common DNS Record Types

Besides the popular DNS records explained above, other records serve more advanced or specific purposes. Not everyone uses these, but they are crucial in certain systems, especially in large networks, advanced security setups, and tech services.

Here’s a simple overview of these less common DNS record types:

• AFSDB Record: This record helps find AFS (Andrew File System) cells, part of a file-sharing system used in some large businesses or universities.
• APL Record: It lists address ranges in DNS. It can include or exclude sets of IP addresses for special routing or filtering rules.
• CAA Record: This allows domain owners to choose which Certificate Authorities (CAs) can issue SSL certificates for their domains. This improves website security by stopping unauthorized certificate issuance.
• DNSKEY Record: Record holding a public key used in Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC). It helps protect DNS data from tampering by verifying the information hasn’t been changed.
• CDNSKEY Record: This is the child version of the DNSKEY record. It is sent from a child domain to its parent zone so they can share security information and help set up DNSSEC validation.
• CERT Record: Used to store public key certificates, which verify the identity of users or devices. These are often used in email or secure connections.
• DCHID Record: The record that is part of the DHCP system and identifies computers on a network when they automatically receive an IP address.
• DNAME Record: This works like a CNAME, with one major difference: It redirects all subdomains, too. For example, if someone owns mywebsite.com and sets a DNAME record on anotherwebsite.net pointing to mywebsite.com, then not only anotherwebsite.net but also blog.anotherwebsite.net, shop.anotherwebsite.net and all other subdomains will automatically point to the matching subdomains under mywebsite.com.
• HIP Record: Part of a newer networking method that separates the device identity from its IP address, making mobile and secure connections more flexible.
• IPSECKEY Record: Commonly used with Internet Protocol Security (IPsec), a framework that provides end-to-end protection and is part of the TCP/IP protocol suite.
• LOC Record: This record provides location information for a domain, such as latitude, longitude, and altitude. It’s rarely used but can support services that require geo-based details.
• NAPTR Record: It is used in dynamic DNS systems, particularly for services that require flexible routing.
• NSEC Record: An NSEC record forms part of DNSSEC and proves that a DNS record does not exist. It helps block fake responses from attackers.
• RRSIG Record: Also used in DNSSEC, this record contains a digital signature that verifies the data in a DNS record hasn’t been changed during transfer.
• RP Record: The RP record lists the email address of a person responsible for a domain. It helps with contact or admin queries.
• SSHFP Record: Stores the fingerprint of an SSH public key. It helps devices verify that they connect to the right server using SSH, which developers use.

While you may not use these record types daily, they are important for advanced DNS setups, security, and special systems. If you ever manage a large network or need extra protection, it’s good to know about these.

Managing DNS Records

Managing DNS records is important for keeping your website and email working properly. You can access DNS settings through your domain registration or web hosting provider. Look for sections named DNS Settings, Manage DNS or Zone Editor. If you use the Hosted.com cPanel, go to the Zone Editor under the Domains section.

To add or edit a record, choose the record type (e.g., A, MX, or CNAME), then enter the name, priority, destination, and TTL. Always double-check your entries to avoid errors.

After making changes, wait for the DNS propagation to take effect. This is how long it takes for the update to spread across the internet. It can be fast, but sometimes, it can take up to 48 hours.

Setting a lower TTL (e.g., 300 seconds) before updating can help speed up this process. Once things work, you can raise the TTL again for better performance.

Common DNS Management Scenarios

There are a few everyday tasks that need DNS changes. For example, if you’re moving your website to a new hosting provider, update the A record to point your domain to the new server’s IP address.

If you’re using a third-party email service (Google Workspace or Outlook), set up MX, SPF, and TXT records to ensure your emails ‘send’ and ‘receive’ properly. When you connect your domain to tools like Google Search Console, you may be asked to verify it. This usually means adding a simple TXT record.

Best Practices for Managing DNS Records

• Always save a backup of your current DNS records before making changes.
• Use balanced TTL values, which ensure faster updates when needed while reducing unnecessary DNS lookups for better performance.
• Avoid duplicate or incorrect entries, as these can cause issues with your website or email.
• Ensure there are no typos or extra spaces when editing records.

If your site won’t load or emails aren’t working, you may have a DNS problem. Check if your records are correct. You can flush your DNS cache on your computer to force it to reload the latest records.

If the changes don’t work, it may just be DNS propagation, which can take up to 48 hours. Be patient – or ask the Hosted.com Support Team for help.

FAQS

Other Blogs of Interest

– Hosted.com’s NEW AI Domain Name Generator Is Here!

– Domain Security: How It Protects Your Online Presence

– Free Domain Registration: How To Get Started

– What Is A Domain Extension? Everything You Need To Know

– Changing Domain Name & SEO: 7 Steps To Keep Your Rankings