DNS records are an essential component of the internet infrastructure. They are responsible for resolving domain names into IP addresses that computers can use to communicate with each other. Without DNS records, navigating the web would be a lot harder. In this blog post, we’ll look at six critical DNS records you need to know. So, let’s start!

A Record (Address Record)

The A record is the most basic DNS record. It maps a domain name to an IP address. Whenever a user enters a domain name into their browser, the browser sends a request to the DNS server to resolve the domain name into an IP address using the A record. This record serves to point a domain name to a domain name’s IP address, allowing users to access a website.

MX Record (Mail Exchange Record)

The MX record specifies the mail server responsible for receiving email messages for a particular domain name. This record is crucial for email delivery, as it ensures that incoming mail is directed to the correct mail server. If an MX record is not properly configured, email messages may be lost or delayed.

CNAME Record (Canonical Name Record)

The CNAME record is used to alias one domain name to another. For example, you could create a CNAME record for “blog.example.com” that points to “www.example.com.” This record is useful for creating subdomains or redirecting traffic from one domain to another.

NS Record (Name Server Record)

The NS record identifies the name servers accountable for a domain. It is used to delegate authority over a domain to a set of name servers. These name servers can then be used to resolve queries for the domain’s DNS records.

TXT Record (Text Record)

The TXT record is a versatile record used to store various types of information associated with a precise domain name. This information can include SPF records used for email authentication, DKIM records used for email signing, and verification of domain ownership.

SRV Record (Service Record)

The SRV record is used to specify the location of a precise service within a domain. For example, you could create an SRV record for “sip.example.com” that points to the IP address and port number of a SIP server. This record is commonly used for services such as Voice over IP (VoIP) and instant messaging.

Conclusion

DNS records are fundamental, and understanding their functions is crucial for managing a domain’s DNS settings. Every website owner should be familiar with these six critical DNS records. By knowing them and how they work, you can guarantee that your website is properly configured and accessible to users.

Do you want to know why an authoritative DNS server is essential? Great. You are in the right place. Why? Because in this article today, we will explore exactly that and other exciting things about it.

Explanation of authoritative DNS server 

A DNS server that both maintains the original Resource Records and the Zone for the DNS Namespace domain is known as an authoritative DNS server. The information for name resolution of the DNS Namespace domain that it stores originated from reliable DNS servers. The last informational source for name resolution for the DNS zones they hold is an authoritative DNS server.

There are two essential duties for an authoritative DNS server. One is to store a list of domain names and their associated IP addresses (TLD name servers). The second is maintaining all zone DNS records and responding to recursive server queries using the appropriate DNS record (A, MX, TXT, etc.). Recursive servers must deliver the needed information to connect to the computer and browser, load the requested webpage, and complete the transaction.

Several variables can somewhat alter this process, but generally, it proceeds as described each time a client requests your website. And it needs to happen as soon as possible to prevent them from growing impatient and walking away.

How do I check the authoritative DNS servers?

You can use the nslookup command, available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, to check authoritative DNS servers.

We must perform a DNS lookup to find all nameservers for the domain.

Launch the Command Prompt in Windows or the Terminal in macOS or Linux. Next, run: nslookup -type=ns example.com

The nameservers and their IP addresses (IPv4 or IPv6) will be listed. Furthermore, you can replace example.com with the domain name of your choice.

You can also examine each nameserver individually to ensure they respond correctly and on time.

How do I set it up?

  1. First, register a domain with your domain name registry.
  2. Each domain name registrar lets you set up primary and secondary name servers (master and slave servers).

In addition, you need first to subscribe to DNS hosting plan and add their name servers to your domain name’s registrar’s list of authoritative name servers before you can utilize the dynamic DNS service or DNS hosting services. Then, and only then, the server responds to queries for your domain name.

Conclusion

Let’s review. In simple words, authoritative DNS servers are responsible for the intended website‘s IP “mapping.” The authoritative server response to the recursive server contains crucial information about each website, such as IP addresses and other DNS records. DNS hosting providers often oversee reliable servers.