Understanding DNS & DNS Record Types

DNS (Domain Name System) is essentially the address book of the internet. It translates human-friendly domain names (like yourwebsite.com) into the numerical IP addresses that computers use to communicate.

When someone types your domain into a browser, DNS ensures they are directed to the correct server—quickly and reliably.

This article explains:

• What DNS is

• The most common DNS record types

• How they are used

• What records ASP provides during a site launch

• Why it is important NOT to remove or alter these records

🧠 What Is DNS?

DNS is a global network that works behind the scenes to connect domain names with the physical servers hosting your website, emails, and other online services.

Without DNS, users would need to type long IP addresses like 192.0.2.1 instead of easy-to-remember names like example.com.

Every domain has a DNS zone, and inside that zone are DNS records—instructions that tell internet services where to go.

📘 Common DNS Record Types Explained

Below are the DNS records you will most commonly encounter, along with how they are typically used.

🅰️ A Record

Points a domain or subdomain to an IP address.

• Maps a hostname to a specific server using an IPv4 address.

• Example: example.com → 123.45.67.89

• Used to ensure your domain sends visitors to the correct web server.

🔁 CNAME Record

Points a domain or subdomain to another hostname (not an IP address).

• Useful for aliasing one domain to another.

• Example: www.example.com → example.com

• If the target’s IP changes, the CNAME automatically follows it.

✉️ MX Record

Mail Exchange record — directs email for your domain.

• Tells the internet where to deliver your email.

• Example: example.com → mail.provider.com

• Must be configured correctly to receive emails.

📝 TXT Record

Stores text information within your DNS zone.

Common uses:

• Domain verification (Google, Microsoft, ASP, etc.)

• Email security (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)

• Site ownership verification for tools like Search Console

🧭 NS Record

Nameserver records — define which provider controls your DNS zone.

• Example:
  ns1.dnsprovider.com
ns2.dnsprovider.com

• Whoever hosts your nameservers controls all of your DNS settings.

⏳ TTL (Time To Live)

Not a record type, but an important setting that determines how long DNS information is cached.

• Lower TTL = faster propagation for changes

• Higher TTL = more stable, fewer DNS lookups

⚠️ DNS Disclaimer – Please Read

ASP does not directly handle DNS updates.
All DNS changes must be made through your domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, 123 Reg, Cloudflare, Namecheap, Fasthosts, etc.).
If you're unsure how to update DNS records, your registrar’s support team can assist, or you can contact ASP for clarification on which records are required.