When you open a website, you type a name like example.com. You do not type numbers. But behind every website domain, there is a number called an IP address.
So how does your computer find the right number? DNS does this job. For this, multiple DNS records are configured in a domain's network setup. If DNS records are configured correctly, the website remains accessible online. If DNS has problems, the website may not open at all.
What DNS Configuration Means?
DNS stands for Domain Name System. You can also hear of it as the phonebook of the internet.
Let us simplify the DNS concept for you:
When you want to call someone, you search their name in your phone, right?. You do not remember their number.
In the same way, when you have to visit a website, you search for its domain name, not the IP address. Know that every registered domain has an IP address.
And DNS resolves the IP address for that domain name. Or you can say DNS translates that domain name into its corresponding IP address.
Regarding DNS configuration, it means setting up the DNS records that map your domain name to your server and handle DNS resolution. If you configure it incorrectly, visitors cannot find your website.
DNS Records Every Website Needs
DNS works using different types of records. Each record has a different job. Here are the key DNS records that every website needs.
A Record
The A record connects your domain name to an IPv4 address. This is the most basic record. Without it, your website cannot open.
AAAA Record
This record connects your domain to an IPv6 address. It works like the A record but uses a newer format. Here you can learn about the difference between IPv4 and IPv6 addresses.
CNAME Record
CNAME connects one domain to another domain. For example, www.example.com can point to example.com.
MX Record
MX record handles emails. If you want to send and receive emails like [email protected], you need MX records.
TXT Record
TXT records store extra information. Many services use TXT records to verify domain ownership.
NS Record
NS records tell the Internet which DNS server controls your domain. If NS records are wrong, nothing will work.
So, How Crucial Is DNS Configuration for a Website?
Now you know the basics. Let us see why DNS setup matters so much.
Website Access
DNS helps people find your website. If DNS settings are wrong, the site will not open. Visitors will see an error page. They will leave. You lose traffic. You also lose trust.
Email Function
DNS also controls your email. If the MX record is missing or wrong, emails will fail. Messages will bounce back. Clients will not get your emails. This can harm your work or business.
Security and Safety
DNS helps protect your site. SPF records stop fake emails. DKIM records prove that your emails are real. When you set these records the right way, you reduce spam and fraud.
Website Uptime
If DNS stops working, your site goes down. Even if your server works fine, people still cannot reach your site. So DNS affects uptime in a direct way.
That is why it is always recommended to check domain DNS health periodically, so you can be sure the DNS records for your website are configured correctly.
Signs Your DNS Configuration Has Issues
How do you know something is wrong? Here are some signs that help in spotting the issues in DNS configuration:
- Website is not loading at all
- You are seeing an error like ‘DNS server not found’
- Emails are bouncing back and are not getting delivered at all
- Website loads sometimes and fails sometimes
- Domain shows as parked or inactive
If you notice any of these issues, check DNS propagation for your domain first. This will let you know how your domain is currently being propagated on global DNS servers.
How to Check DNS Configuration?
You can check your DNS configuration by using a simple online DNS lookup tool. Just open a DNS lookup tool that gives accurate resutls and enter your domain name. Then click on the search button or press enter.
After a few seconds of processing, the tool will display your DNS records configured for the entered domain name. This helps you see whether your domain points to the correct server and email provider.
Final Talk
DNS configuration plays a very important role in your website’s success. It helps people reach websites on the internet. And also, proper DNS configuration makes sure your emails work properly. When DNS records are set the right way, your website stays online and secure.
