In this article you will learn about the different types of DNS records and their purpose. A particular focus is on NS records (Name Server), which play an important role in the management and distribution of domain names.
Contents
- What are DNS records?
- Types of DNS records
- The purpose of DNS records
- NS records in detail
- How to configure NS records
Fast lane
- Open your domain host's DNS management console.
- Go to the section for DNS records.
- Look for the section for NS records.
- Add the desired NS records or edit existing ones.
- Save your changes.
What are DNS records?
DNS records are entries in the DNS database that contain various information about a domain. These records help computers and other devices find the correct IP address or other relevant information for a domain.
Types of DNS records
There are different types of DNS records, each serving different purposes:
- A record: Points a domain to an IPv4 address.
- AAAA record: Points a domain to an IPv6 address.
- CNAME record: Points a domain to another domain.
- MX record: Specifies the mail server for a domain.
- TXT record: Contains text information for various purposes, such as verification or SPF entries.
- NS record: Specifies which name servers are responsible for a domain.
The purpose of DNS records
The main purpose of DNS records is to facilitate communication on the internet by translating domain names into IP addresses and other necessary information. This allows users to use easier-to-remember domain names instead of hard-to-remember IP addresses.
NS records in detail
NS records (Name Server) are specifically responsible for determining which name servers are responsible for a particular domain. These name servers store the DNS records of the domain and answer DNS queries.
NS records are important because they form the basis of the DNS infrastructure and ensure that DNS queries are answered efficiently and correctly.
How to configure NS records
For the purposes of this guide, let's assume that your branded member web address is https://mein.studio.de/. This address, also called a subdomain, can be freely chosen by you. However, you must have access to the corresponding domain (in our example studio.de).
In the DNS server of your domain, four so-called NS records must be created. The configurator for your branded member app / web will provide you with records of this type:
- mein.studio.de. NS ns-1143.awsdns-14.org.
- mein.studio.de. NS ns-127.awsdns-15.com.
- mein.studio.de. NS ns-1705.awsdns-21.co.uk.
- mein.studio.de. NS ns-990.awsdns-59.net.
The above four records are for example purposes only and should not be used by you. Please only enter the records provided to you in the configurator.
Depending on which web host you are using, the above records must be set up in different ways. Below we have compiled the instructions for well-known hosting providers:
After you have entered the DNS records either yourself or through your agency, we will automatically check them in the background. Your branded member website should be ready for use shortly.
From now on, you just need to make sure that you do not change the records you created above, as otherwise your branded member website will no longer work.