DNS Host Record Management

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a distributed, hierarchical database that contains records for domain names. Its main function is to map a domain name to an IP address. These mappings are stored in a zone file, also known as a DNS Zone.

What is DNS Host Record Management?

DNS Host Record Management (Managed DNS) involves managing a domain’s zone file — including NS, A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, and URL Redirect records — on Anycast and redundant nameservers, independent of web hosting providers.

Why Use DNS Host Record Management?

Redirect a domain to a URL without web hosting
Manage DNS records independently of hosting infrastructure
For Cloud VPS or Dedicated Servers: save resources by managing DNS externally
For Email Hosting: point domain to services like GSuite, ZohoMail, or Microsoft Exchange

DNS Record Types & Syntax

Each DNS record includes a TTL (Time To Live) value, defining how long it may be cached.

IPv4 Address Record (A Record)

Maps a domain name to an IPv4 address.

example.com A 123.345.567.789
hello.example.com A 123.345.567.789

Mail Exchanger (MX Record)

Specifies mail servers for the domain. The lower the preference number, the higher the priority.

example.com MX 10 mail_1.example.com
example.com MX 20 mail_2.example.com
example.com MX 30 mail_3.example.com

Canonical Name (CNAME Record)

Creates an alias to another domain.

www.alias.com CNAME domain.com.
example.com CNAME domain.com.

Authoritative Name Server (NS Record)

Points to nameservers authoritative for a zone or delegated sub-domain.

example.com NS ns1.indichosts.net.
example.com NS ns2.indichosts.net.
example.com NS ns3.indichosts.net.
example.com NS ns4.indichosts.net.
example.com NS ns5.indichosts.net.

Text Record (TXT Record)

Used to store free-form text, often for SPF or DKIM.

Sender Policy Framework (SPF)

example.com TXT "v=spf1 a ~all"

DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM)

selector1._domainkey.example.com TXT "k=rsa; p=J8eTBu224i086iK"

Start of Authority (SOA Record)

Defines authoritative information for the zone, including the primary DNS server, contact, and timing parameters.

@ IN SOA ns1.indichosts.net. admin.example.com. 2013062147 14400 14400 1209600 86400

IPv6 Address Record (AAAA Record)

Maps a domain name to an IPv6 address.

example.com AAAA 2604:880:205:40::2
hello.example.com AAAA 2604:880:205:40::2

Service Record (SRV Record)

Specifies the location of servers for specific services like VoIP, XMPP, etc.

_service._protocol.example.com SRV 10 0 5060 service.example.com

Service: Prefixed with an underscore (e.g. _xmpp)
Protocol: Prefixed with an underscore (e.g. _tcp)
Priority: Lower values indicate higher priority
Weight: Used if priorities match
Port: Port number for the service
Target: Domain that handles the service

Conclusion

DNS Host Record Management provides flexible, advanced control over your domain’s behavior, independent of web hosting. It’s essential for services like cloud hosting, business email, and redundant infrastructure.