Understanding DNS Records
Domain Name System (DNS) records are instructions that live in authoritative DNS servers and provide information about a domain including what IP address is associated with that domain and how to handle requests for that domain. These records consist of a series of text files written in what is known as DNS syntax. DNS syntax is just a string of characters used as commands that tell the DNS server what to do.
Types of DNS Records
A Record
Maps a domain name to an IPv4 address.
AAAA Record
Maps a domain name to an IPv6 address.
CNAME Record
Points one domain or subdomain to another domain name.
MX Record
Specifies the mail servers responsible for accepting email messages.
NS Record
Indicates which DNS server is authoritative for that domain.
TXT Record
Holds text information for various purposes, like SPF and DKIM.
DNS Propagation: Why It Takes Time
DNS propagation is the time it takes for DNS changes to be updated across the internet. When you update your DNS records, the changes may take up to 48 hours to fully propagate worldwide. This is because:
- DNS Caching: Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and DNS resolvers around the world cache DNS information to speed up web browsing.
- TTL (Time To Live): Each DNS record has a TTL value that tells servers how long to cache the information before checking for updates.
- Global Distribution: There are thousands of DNS servers worldwide that need to receive the updated information.
How Does the DNS Process Work?
- DNS Query: When you type a domain in your browser, your computer sends a DNS query to a recursive resolver.
- Recursive Resolution: If the resolver doesn't have the information cached, it queries the root DNS servers.
- TLD Servers: The root servers refer the resolver to the Top-Level Domain (TLD) servers (like .com, .org, etc.).
- Authoritative Nameservers: The TLD servers direct the resolver to the authoritative nameservers for the specific domain.
- IP Resolution: The authoritative nameservers provide the IP address for the domain.
- Response: The recursive resolver returns the IP address to your computer, which then connects to the website.
Why Use a DNS Checker Tool?
A DNS checker tool like ours is essential when:
- You've recently changed your DNS records and want to check propagation status
- You've switched web hosts or nameservers
- You're troubleshooting website accessibility issues
- You want to verify your DNS configuration is correct
- You need to diagnose email delivery problems
Our DNS Checker tool tests your domain's DNS records against multiple DNS servers worldwide, giving you a comprehensive view of your domain's DNS propagation status.