DNS Configuration Guide
Step-by-step guide to configuring DNS records for your domain and connecting it to your VDS.
DNS Configuration Guide
This guide will help you configure DNS records for your domain and connect it to your VDS.
Understanding DNS Records
Common Record Types
A Record
- Maps domain to IPv4 address
- Example:
example.com → 203.0.113.1
AAAA Record
- Maps domain to IPv6 address
- Example:
example.com → 2001:db8::1
CNAME Record
- Creates alias to another domain
- Example:
www.example.com → example.com
MX Record
- Specifies mail servers
- Includes priority value
TXT Record
- Stores text information
- Used for verification and SPF
Basic Configuration
Step 1: Find Your Server IP
Log in to your ITLDC control panel and note your server’s IP address.
Step 2: Access DNS Management
Go to your domain registrar’s control panel and find the DNS management section.
Step 3: Add A Record
Type: A
Name: @
Value: YOUR_SERVER_IP
TTL: 3600
Step 4: Add WWW Subdomain
Type: A
Name: www
Value: YOUR_SERVER_IP
TTL: 3600
Advanced Configuration
Email Server Setup
Add MX records for email:
Type: MX
Name: @
Value: mail.example.com
Priority: 10
TTL: 3600
Subdomain Configuration
Create subdomains for different services:
Type: A
Name: api
Value: YOUR_SERVER_IP
TTL: 3600
SSL Certificate Verification
For Let’s Encrypt validation, add:
Type: TXT
Name: _acme-challenge
Value: PROVIDED_BY_CERTBOT
TTL: 300
Email Authentication
SPF Record
Type: TXT
Name: @
Value: v=spf1 ip4:YOUR_SERVER_IP -all
TTL: 3600
DKIM Record
Type: TXT
Name: default._domainkey
Value: YOUR_DKIM_KEY
TTL: 3600
DMARC Record
Type: TXT
Name: _dmarc
Value: v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; rua=mailto:dmarc@example.com
TTL: 3600
Troubleshooting
Check DNS Propagation
Use online tools to check if DNS changes have propagated:
- whatsmydns.net
- dnschecker.org
Common Issues
DNS Not Resolving
- Wait 24-48 hours for full propagation
- Check record syntax
- Verify nameservers are correct
Website Not Loading
- Confirm web server is running
- Check firewall rules
- Verify A record is correct
Best Practices
- Use Low TTL During Testing: Set TTL to 300 seconds while making changes
- Increase TTL After Stable: Use 3600 or higher once everything works
- Keep Records Updated: Remove old records when changing servers
- Use DNSSEC: Enable if your registrar supports it
- Monitor DNS Health: Use monitoring tools to track uptime
DNS Providers
Consider using dedicated DNS providers for better performance:
- Cloudflare (free with CDN)
- Route53 (AWS)
- Google Cloud DNS
- DigitalOcean DNS
Verification Commands
Check A Record
dig example.com A
Check All Records
dig example.com ANY
Check Specific Nameserver
dig @8.8.8.8 example.com
Need Help?
If you need assistance with DNS configuration:
- Contact our support team
- Use our control panel DNS management
- Check our video tutorials
Conclusion
Proper DNS configuration is essential for your website’s accessibility. Take time to set it up correctly and test thoroughly.