Setting up DNS for Your Domain

By matsjfunke

2024-03-15

Understanding DNS

DNS (Domain Name System) is the internet's phone book.

  • It translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the network.

DNS Record Types Explained

  • A Record: Maps a domain to an IPv4 address, telling browsers where to find your website.

  • AAAA Record: Similar to an A record, but maps a domain to an IPv6 address for next-generation Internet Protocol.

  • CNAME Record: Creates an alias by pointing one domain or subdomain to another domain name.

  • MX Record: Specifies the mail servers responsible for handling email for your domain.

  • NS Record: Identifies the authoritative name servers for your domain.

  • SOA Record: Contains administrative information about your DNS zone, including serial number and refresh intervals.

  • TXT Record: Holds text information for various purposes, often used for domain verification or SPF records.

  • PTR Record: Used for reverse DNS lookups, mapping an IP address to a domain name.

  • SRV Record: Specifies the location of specific services, like VoIP or instant messaging.

  • CAA Record: Specifies which Certificate Authorities are allowed to issue SSL/TLS certificates for your domain.

Configuring DNS Records

Step 1: Access Your Domain Registrar's DNS Management

Log in to your domain registrar's website and navigate to the DNS management section.

Step 2: Add an A Record

DNS Records

  1. Root Domain (A Record)

    • Type: A
    • Host: @
    • Value: Your.Server.IP.Address
    • TTL: 3600

  2. WWW Subdomain (A Record)

    • Type: A
    • Host: www
    • Value: Your.Server.IP.Address
    • TTL: 3600

  3. API Subdomain (A Record)

    • Type: A
    • Host: api
    • Value: Your.Server.IP.Address:BackendPort
    • TTL: 3600

Notes:

  • Replace Your.Server.IP.Address with your actual server IP address.
  • The BackendPort in the API record should be replaced with the actual port your API is running on (e.g., 3000, 8080, etc.).
  • TTL (Time To Live) is set to 3600 seconds (1 hour) in this example. You may adjust this based on your needs.
  • Access domain in browser

Verifying DNS Configuration

Use dig Command

dig yourdomain.com
  • Use online tools like Domain Digger or DNSChecker to verify your DNS configuration from multiple locations.

Note: DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate globally, although they often take effect much sooner.