This post is also available in:
Français
What are DNS records and which do I need for my domain website and emails to work.
The Domain Name System (DNS) is the unsung hero of the internet, quietly ensuring that when you type in a web address, you end up on the right website. At the heart of DNS are various record types, each with its unique purpose. In this article, we’ll explore the most commonly used DNS record types, including A records, AAAA records, CNAME records, MX records, TXT records, and SRV records.
A Records (Address Records)
A records, short for Address Records, are the foundation of DNS. They link human-friendly domain names (e.g., www.example.com) to IPv4 addresses (e.g., 192.0.2.1). Put simply, A records are like the postal code for your internet destinations. When you enter a domain name in your browser, it checks the DNS for the corresponding A record to locate the server hosting the website.
AAAA Records (IPv6 Address Records)
In a world transitioning to IPv6 due to IPv4 address exhaustion, AAAA records are crucial. Similar to A records, AAAA records connect domain names to IP addresses, but these addresses are in the IPv6 format. They ensure compatibility with the modern internet, as IPv6 adoption continues to grow, and IPv4 addresses become scarcer.
CNAME Records (Canonical Name Records)
CNAME records, or Canonical Name Records, offer DNS flexibility. Instead of pointing a domain to an IP address like A or AAAA records, CNAME records allow you to alias one domain to another. For instance, you can use a CNAME record to redirect “www.example.com” to “example.com” seamlessly.
MX Records (Mail Exchanger Records)
MX records, or Mail Exchanger Records, are instrumental in email delivery. They specify the mail servers responsible for receiving email messages on behalf of a domain. When you send an email, the recipient’s email server queries the DNS for MX records to determine where to deliver the message. Properly configured MX records are essential for reliable email communication.
TXT Records (Text Records)
TXT records, or Text Records, serve a variety of purposes. They can store plain text information, such as SPF (Sender Policy Framework) records used to prevent email spoofing, DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) records for email authentication, and other verification data. TXT records are versatile and valuable for various DNS-related tasks.
SRV Records (Service Records)
SRV records, or Service Records, are less common but highly useful. They specify the location of services within a domain, like instant messaging or voice-over-IP (VoIP). SRV records provide detailed information about where specific services can be found, enhancing the efficiency of service discovery on the internet.
Summery
In conclusion, A records, AAAA records, CNAME records, MX records, TXT records, and SRV records are integral components of the DNS infrastructure, each with a specialized role. A records and AAAA records translate domain names to IP addresses, while CNAME records offer flexibility by redirecting one domain to another. MX records ensure reliable email delivery, TXT records store various types of text-based data, and SRV records facilitate the discovery of services.
Understanding these DNS record types empowers you to manage your online presence effectively. Whether you’re configuring a website, setting up email services, or integrating other internet-based applications, a solid grasp of these records will serve you well in navigating the digital landscape.
Still need help?
If you are in need of assistance, you can contact our support staff using one of the following methods:
Send us an email – 24/7/365
- Technical Support
- Billing Issues
- Sales Inquires
Live Chat – 24/7/362
Access our Live Chat support team from your Easyhosting Portal
Phone Support – Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 7:00pm EST
Call one of our Phone Support team members anytime between 9:00am and 7:00pm, eastern time at 1-888-390-1210.