Understanding DNS Records

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a decentralized and hierarchical system that resolves domain names to IP addresses. Simply, It translates human-readable domain names like ajay-shrestha.com.np into machine-friendly IP addresses like 104.21.31.195, enabling seamless navigation across the web.

For Example:
Domain: ajay-shrestha.com.np 
Resolved IP Address: 104.21.31.195

Without DNS, we’d be left memorizing long strings of numbers instead of simple, memorable domain names.
DNS operates via zones, and records are stored on DNS servers worldwide. Each record serves a specific purpose, guiding requests to their proper destination.

Key Types of DNS Records
DNS records are like instructions stored in DNS servers, specifying how requests for a domain should be handled. Below are some of the most common and essential DNS record types:

1. A Record (Address Record)

• Purpose: Maps a domain name to an IPv4 address.
• Example: ajay-shrestha.com.np → 54.180.184.151
• Use Case: Directs users to the correct server when they access your website.

2. AAAA Record (IPv6 Address Record)

• Purpose: Maps a domain name to an IPv6 address.
• Example: ajay-shrestha.com.np → 2001:0000:130F:0000:0000:09C0:876A:130B
• Use Case: Ensures compatibility with modern IPv6 networks.

3. CNAME Record (Canonical Name Record)

• Purpose: Alias one domain name to another.
• Example: www.ajay-shrestha.com.np → ajay-shrestha.com.np
• Use Case: Simplifies domain management by redirecting multiple subdomains to a single canonical domain.

4. MX Record (Mail Exchange Record)

• Purpose: Directs email traffic to the appropriate mail server.
• Example: Email for ajay-shrestha.com.np → mail.ajay-shrestha.com.np
• Use Case: Ensures email delivery to your domain’s designated mail servers.

5. TXT Record (Text Record)

• Purpose: Stores arbitrary text for verification or configuration purposes.
• Use Case: Commonly used for Verifying domain ownership for services like Google Workspace, and Configuring SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for email authentication.

6. NS Record (Name Server Record)

• Purpose: Indicates the authoritative DNS servers for a domain.
• Use Case: Delegates control of the domain to specific DNS servers.

7. PTR Record (Pointer Record)

• Purpose: Maps an IP address to a domain name (reverse DNS).
• Use Case: Often used for spam prevention and server identification.

8. SRV Record (Service Record)

• Purpose: Specifies the location of services like SIP, VoIP, or LDAP.
• Use Case: Directs traffic for specific services within a domain.

9. SOA Record (Start of Authority Record)

• Purpose: Contains administrative information about the domain.
• Use Case: Specifies the primary DNS server and domain administrator’s email.

How DNS Records Work Together
When a user tries to access ajay-shrestha.com.np:

1. The browser queries the DNS resolver.
2. The resolver fetches the necessary DNS records (e.g., A or CNAME).
3. The browser uses the resolved IP to connect to the web server. Other record types, such as MX and TXT, handle tasks like email routing and verification, ensuring smooth communication across the internet.

DNS Management Tips

1. TTL Configuration: Keep TTL values appropriate to your needs. For example, lower TTL for frequently updated records ensures quicker propagation.
2. Redundancy: Use multiple name servers (NS records) for reliability.
3. Secure Your DNS: Implement DNSSEC to protect your domain from spoofing attacks.