Have you ever thought about how typing a web address brings up a website?
By the end of this guide, you will learn more about the domain name system (DNS) and how it affects you in general.
Here’s some of what we’ll cover here:
What DNS is How it works Types of DNS records Ready? Let’s get started.
What is DNS? Straight off the bat with the main question:
DNS, or domain name system, is the internet’s system for converting alphabetic names into numeric IP addresses.
Essentially, DNS functions like a phone book for the internet, allowing users to reach websites using easy-to-remember names rather than a string of numbers.
When you type a web address like “darrelwilson.com ” into your browser, DNS translates this name into the IP address needed to locate and access this site.
How Does DNS Work The internet is an extensive network of computers, where every device connected to it is given a unique IP address that allows other computers to recognize and communicate with it.
This IP address is a long string of numbers with periods that look like this:
Now imagine if you had to remember this just to visit your favorite website. IP addresses are hard to remember and don’t tell you anything about the website you want to visit.
Domain names were created to address this issue by using alphabetic characters, enabling users to choose memorable names for their websites.
The DNS functions through a series of steps that convert a user-friendly domain name into a machine-readable IP address.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process:
1. User request: When you enter a domain name like “darrelwilson.com ” into your web browser, your computer sends a DNS query to a recursive DNS resolver.
The DNS resolver will check if you have visited the website previously.
If your computer’s DNS cache contains the DNS records, the remaining DNS lookup process is bypassed, and you are directly taken to darrelwilson.com .
2. Root name server: If the DNS records are not found in the cache, the recursive resolver first contacts a root name server.
The root name server will direct the resolver to the appropriate Top-Level Domain (TLD) nameserver based on the domain extension, such as .com or .org.
3. TLD name server: The TLD name server handles the specific top-level domain and provides the address of the authoritative nameserver for the requested domain.
For “darrelwilson.com ,” it directs the query to the authoritative nameserver responsible for “darrelwilson.com .”
4. Response to browser: The authoritative nameserver contains the actual DNS records and provides the IP address associated with “darrelwilson.com ” to the DNS resolver.
The recursive resolver returns the IP address to your browser, which then requests darrelwilson.com ’s server.
Our server then responds by sending our website’s data back to your browser so you can now view our site.
Your browser will also cache our DNS records on your computer for easy navigation the next time you visit us.
Pretty technical, right?
Here’s a nice graphic from TechTarget
This entire process typically occurs within milliseconds , effectively ensuring a smooth and fast browsing experience.
Amazing! 😮
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Types of DNS Records Understanding the types of DNS records helps in managing domain names and ensuring that internet services operate correctly.
Each type plays a unique role in the DNS system and contributes to the efficient routing and management of internet traffic.
An example is A Records (address records), which map a domain name to an IPv4 address (for instance, an A record might link “darrelwilson.com ” to “192.0.2.1”).
Similar to A records, AAAA Records maps a domain name to an IPv6 address, which is essential for the expanding number of internet-connected devices.
In the following sections, we’ll discuss other types of DNS Records and, more importantly, how to configure them using Hostinger
1. Name Server Records and How to Change Them Name server (NS) records are essential components of the DNS that indicate which DNS servers are authoritative for a specific domain.
Typically managed by your DN registrar or hosting provider, NS records play a fundamental role by specifying the DNS servers responsible for answering queries about a domain.
An NS record typically includes two parts: the domain name it applies to and the authoritative name server.
For example:
example.com. IN NS ns1.example.com example.com. IN NS ns2.example.com This means that the domain “example.com” is served by “ns1.example.com” and “ns2.example.com”.
When setting up a new domain or transferring a domain to a different DNS provider, updating and verifying the NS records is a key step.
Properly configured NS records ensure that the DNS queries are directed to the correct servers to allow users to access the website or service.
Now, let’s discuss how to change them.
For this guide, I’ll show you how to use Hostinger
First, log in to your account on Hostinger.com
Click on “domains” in the site’s top bar. Select the domain which you’d like to change the name servers for. Click “change nameservers” While it’s recommended that you stick with Hostinger nameservers, you can push through and use your nameservers by typing them in the boxes provided.
Once you’re done, click continue:
After this, you have successfully configured your new nameservers! 🙂
Once you use nameservers outside of Hostinger, all of your site’s DNS zone management is transferred there.
For this to be active, the DNS zone would still need to propagate — this can take up to 24 hours and during this period, your site may experience some issues.
For more details, check out Hostinger’s video tutorial here:
2. CNAME Records and How to Add Them CNAME (canonical name) records are a type of DNS record that enables you to create an alias for one domain name to point to another.
For instance, you can add a CNAME record to configure your domain for a professionally branded email account in G Suite and Gmail.
Instead of pointing directly to an IP address, a CNAME record points to another domain name, which then resolves to the corresponding IP address.
A typical CNAME record might look like this:
“blog.example.com. IN CNAME www.example.com” Here, any requests for “blog.example.com” are redirected to “www.example.com.”
CNAME records make it easier to redirect traffic and simplify the process of maintaining DNS records when the target domain’s IP address changes.
Here’s how to add CNAME records:
Like in changing nameservers, log in to your account on Hostinger.com
From here, you will have to go to the domain portfolio:
Click on “domains” in the site’s top bar Select the domain which you’d like to add a CNAME record to Click its corresponding “Manage” button beside the domain name Once you’re on the next page, do the following:
Click on “DNS/Nameservers” in the left sidebar In “manage DNS records,” scroll and select CNAME in the drop-down menu for “type” Enter the name and the target Once done, click add record The site where you want your domain to connect to will usually give you the CNAME record, so just copy the name and target as provided in the instructions on that specific site.
For instance, here if I want to connect my site to Shopify:
One more thing — you can only have one CNAME record so delete conflicting CNAME records that are pointing your site elsewhere.
Once you’ve cleared this out, you will have successfully added a CNAME record to your domain. 👌
3. MX Records and How to Add Them MX (Mail Exchange) records are a type of DNS record used to direct email delivery by specifying which servers should receive incoming emails for a particular domain.
For instance, by setting up an MX record from Outlook.com for your-domain.com , any email sent to your-domain.com will be processed through Outlook.com ’s mail servers.
A typical MX record might look like this:
“example.com. IN MX 10 mail1.example.com example.com. IN MX 20 mail2.example.com” Simply put, “mail1.example.com” has a higher priority than “mail2.example.com.”
MX records contribute to the reliability of email delivery by separating email traffic for different purposes and by providing a mechanism for fallback and redundancy.
Now, let’s discuss how to add MX records:
Log in to your account on Hostinger.com
From here, you will have to go to the domain portfolio — you may refer to the first image in the adding CNAME records section above:
Click on “domains” in the site’s top bar. Select the domain to which you’d like to add an MX record. Click its corresponding “manage” button beside the domain name. Once you’re on the next page, do the following:
Click on “DNS/Nameservers” in the left sidebar In “manage DNS records,” scroll and select MX in the drop-down menu for “type” Enter the name, mail server, and other relevant information Once you’re finished, click add record The site where you want your domain to connect to will usually give you the MX record, so just copy the name and mail servers provided in the instructions on that mail server:
As for priority, this is a numerical value that determines the order in which mail servers should be used — lower numbers have higher priority, meaning they will be tried first.
If the server with the lowest number is unavailable, the next highest number will be tried (this allows for fallback servers in case of failure).
As for TTL (time to live), this tells the DNS resolver how long to cache the MX record before checking back for updates (expressed in seconds).
A shorter TTL means the record will be updated more frequently, which is useful during configuration changes, while a longer TTL reduces the number of queries to the DNS server.
These elements together ensure that email is directed to the correct servers and that there is a fallback in case the primary server is unavailable.
4. TXT Records and How to Add Them TXT (Text) records are a versatile type of DNS record used to store various types of information in the form of text.
Originally created for human-readable notes, TXT records have evolved to play important roles in email authentication, domain verification, and other security-related functions.
These help prevent email spoofing by verifying that the sender is authorized to use the domain. A typical TXT record might look like this:
“example.com. IN TXT “v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all”” In this example, the TXT record contains an SPF policy that specifies which mail servers are permitted to send emails on behalf of “example.com.”
Now, let’s discuss how to add TXT records:
Log in to your account on Hostinger.com
Click on “domains” in the site’s top bar Select the domain to which you’d like to add a TXT record to Click its corresponding “manage” button beside the domain name Once you’re on the next page, do the following:
Click on “DNS/Nameservers” in the left sidebar In “Manage DNS records,” scroll and select MX in the drop-down menu for “type” Enter the name, TXT value, and TTL Once you’re finished, click add record The site where you want your domain to connect to will usually give you the TXT record, so just copy the name and TXT value as provided in the instructions on that specific site:
And that’s it, you have just successfully added a TXT record to your domain! 👏
How Does DNS Affect Your Online Privacy One more thing you need to know about DNS is that it plays a significant role in your online privacy, as it can reveal details about your internet activity and other information.
Here are some examples:
Data collection by ISPs : Your internet service provider(ISP) can monitor your DNS queries and log every website you visit.Tracking and profiling: Websites and online services can use DNS records to track your online activities across multiple sessions and sites.Public Wi-Fi risks : When using public Wi-Fi networks, DNS queries can be intercepted by malicious actors. For the latter risk, this can lead to attacks like DNS spoofing or man-in-the-middle attacks, where attackers redirect you to fake websites to steal your personal information.
By combining this information, third parties can build detailed profiles of your behavior and interests, for sale to other parties, for surveillance, or other malicious purposes.
Understanding this relationship can help you make informed decisions about which DNS services to use and how to protect yourself from unwarranted monitoring and data collection.
Here are some measures you can take to amp up your privacy online:
Browser DNS settings : You can explore modern web browsers that increasingly offer options to use encrypted DNS services by default. Third-party DNS services : Using a third-party DNS service like Google Public DNS or Cloudflare can provide better protection, but study their privacy policies first!DNS over HTTPS (DoH) : This technology encrypts DNS queries and prevents ISPs and other intermediaries from seeing which websites you are trying to access.DNS over TLS (DoT) : Similar to DoH, DNS over TLS encrypts DNS queries to protect your privacy from interception and monitoring by unauthorized third parties. Without measures to secure your DNS and browsing data, your online activities can be traced back to you and compromise your anonymity. 🥶
Free vs. Paid DNS: Is There a Difference? When choosing a DNS service, you can opt for free or paid options, each with its own set of benefits and limitations.
For free DNS services , here are some pros and cons:
✅ Pros
Free to use, which makes them accessible to everyone. Offer essential DNS functionalities such as domain resolution and basic security features. Easy to set up and use, suitable for individuals and small businesses. ❌ Cons
Often lack dedicated customer support, relying on community forums and online documentation. May not offer advanced security features like DDoS protection. May have slower response times and less reliable uptime compared to paid services.
For paid DNS services , here are some pros and cons:
✅ Pros
Provide enhanced security measures (e.g., DDoS protection), better analytics, and higher uptime guarantees. Allow greater customization of DNS settings to suit specific needs. Include dedicated customer support and faster response times. ❌ Cons
Involve a subscription fee, which can be a consideration for small businesses and individuals. May require more technical knowledge to configure and manage advanced features.
The advantage of paying for your DNS services is that it offers faster DNS with limited firewall protection.
Larger enterprises often opt for a paid DNS service to access advanced features such as guaranteed 100% uptime, quicker lookup speeds, and more.
For personal or small-scale use, free DNS options might suffice, but businesses with more customers and visitors may benefit from added features and support of paid services.
Best DNS Providers Choosing the right DNS provider can significantly impact your internet experience in terms of speed, security, and reliability.
1. Google Public DNS Google Public DNS free DNS resolution service that leverages Google’s extensive global infrastructure.
The service is designed to provide accurate results without redirects and to improve the overall browsing experience by reducing latency and increasing page load speeds.
With primary DNS servers at 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4, Google Public DNS provides quick domain name resolution and integrates seamlessly with other Google services.
💻 Key features
Speedy DNS resolution : Utilizes Google’s extensive infrastructure to ensure fast query responses.Global data center presence : Distributed servers worldwide for consistent performance.High security : Protection against DNS cache poisoning attacks and other threats.DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT) : Supports encrypted DNS queries for added privacy and security.No filtering : Provides unbiased DNS resolution without blocking or filtering content.Minimal data logging : Google Public DNS does not permanently store personally identifiable information.Reliability : Robust infrastructure ensures high availability and uptime.
💰 Pricing
Google Public DNS is free , launched to offer faster, more secure, and reliable DNS resolution at no cost to users.
2. Cloudflare DNS Launched in 2018, Cloudflare’s public DNS resolver
It provides fast DNS resolution, thanks to its extensive global network spanning over 320 cities, but remains free to use for all users.
Cloudflare DNS also offers strong security features, including built-in DDoS protection and DNSSEC to prevent DNS attacks and ensure the integrity of DNS responses.
💻 Key features
Fast DNS resolution : Achieves lookup speeds averaging 11ms, making it one of the fastest DNS services.Global network : Operates in over 320 cities to ensure optimal redundancy and performance worldwide.Built-in DDoS protection : Protects against distributed denial-of-service attacks to maintain service availability.DNSSEC support : Adds cryptographic signatures to DNS records to prevent traffic redirection and enhance security.1.1.1.1 for families : Offers configurations that block malware and adult content, and provides additional safety options for home networks.CNAME flattening : Improves performance by allowing CNAME records at the apex of your domain.Advanced DNS analytics : Provides in-depth, real-time insights into DNS traffic, accessible via the Cloudflare dashboard.
💰 Pricing
Expanding its free version, Cloudflare DNS offers multiple-tiered pricing plans that cater to professionals and businesses, starting at $20/month.
3. OpenDNS Founded in 2006, OpenDNS consumer and enterprise DNS services.
OpenDNS is known for its reliability and has maintained 100% uptime since 2006. It resolves a massive 620 billion DNS queries every day.
The service aims to enhance online security and speed, and it also provides features such as phishing protection and content filtering.
💻 Key features
Phishing protection : Automatically blocks access to known phishing sites to protect users from online scams.Content filtering : Customizable filters allow users to block access to harmful websites, ideal for families and educational institutions.High reliability : Boasts 100% uptime since 2006, proof of its continuous and dependable service.Speed optimization : OpenDNS servers are optimized for speed and provide quick DNS resolution to improve browsing performance.FamilyShield : Pre-configured to block adult content, this feature requires no manual setup and is ideal for protecting children online.Enterprise security (Cisco Umbrella) : Provides advanced security features, including protection against malware, botnets, and phishing for businesses.Easy setup : User-friendly setup guides for various devices, including home routers, PCs, and mobile devices.
💰 Pricing
OpenDNS’s Consumer services are free and all you need to do is sign up for customizable filtering and basic protection.
On the other hand, its Enterprise solutions under the Cisco Umbrella provide personalized plans by contacting a security expert on their site.
4. DNS Made Easy DNS Made Easy advanced analytics tools .
Established in 2001, it has built a reputation for maintaining 100% uptime while handling over 180 billion queries daily through 25 strategically located points of presence.
The service is designed to optimize domain security, reduce IT workload, and improve performance, making it ideal for enterprises of all sizes.
💻 Key features
Industry-leading speed and uptime : Guaranteed 100% uptime with the fastest DNS resolution times.Advanced analytics : Tools to diagnose DNS issues and monitor traffic in real time.Instant DNS updates : Immediate propagation of DNS record changes across the global network.Multi-tiered redundancy (IP Anycast+) : Localized server redundancy and scalability to handle traffic surges and regional outages.Security measures : Comprehensive firewall and DDoS mitigation strategies to protect against various DNS-based attacks.REST API : Automation and integration capabilities for DNS management via code.Global traffic director : Geo-targeting to optimize traffic routing and improve performance.
💰 Pricing
DNS Made Easy’s state-of-the-art selection of features is available starting at $18.75/month. You can have a free trial before committing to purchase.
5. Quad9 Launched in 2017, Quad9 privacy-respecting DNS solution.
Quad9 operates over 230 resolver clusters in more than 110 countries, and leverages threat intelligence from more than 20 security companies across the globe.
By routing DNS queries through its secure network, Quad9 provides a high level of protection against malware, phishing, and other cyber threats.
💻 Key features
Malware and phishing protection : Blocks access to known malicious domains to prevent cyber threats.Privacy-focused : Does not log user IP addresses and ensures user privacy and compliance with Swiss privacy laws.Global network : Operates in over 230 locations across 110 countries to provide reliable and fast DNS resolution.Threat intelligence : Utilizes data from over 20 cybersecurity organizations to maintain an up-to-date list of threats.DNS encryption : Supports DNS over TLS (DoT), DNS over HTTPS (DoH), and DNSCrypt for encrypted DNS queries.Simple setup : Easy configuration on various devices with detailed guides available.
💰 Pricing
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, Quad9 is a free DNS service that is funded by sponsorships and donations.
Understanding DNS and its subtle importance in how we enjoy the internet is essential for optimizing not only your internet experience but also how you overall manage your site.
Since a reliable DNS service can significantly improve your browsing speed and security, select a provider that promises lightning-fast query responses to robust protection against threats.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to regularly clear your DNS cache to ensure that you are accessing the most up-to-date information and maintain the optimal browsing speed and accuracy.
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