What Are DNS and Name Servers? Connecting Domains and Servers
When you start a website, you will always encounter “DNS” and “name servers.” Understanding what they are and how they work is essential for running a site successfully.
In this article, I explain these basics in a way that is easy for beginners to understand and provide the knowledge you need for smooth website operation.
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What Is DNS?
DNS, or the Domain Name System, is a system that can be described as the internet’s address book.
It converts the domain names we can easily remember into IP addresses that computers can easily understand. Because of this process, you can access a site simply by entering its website address into a browser.
What Is a Name Server?
A name server is a server within the DNS system that keeps the correspondence between domain names and IP addresses.
When you purchase a domain, a name server is essential for that domain to function on the internet. Because of this, people all over the world can find your site.
How to Configure DNS and Name Servers
Register the Domain
The first step in launching a website is to register the domain name you want.
Specify the Name Server
After registering the domain, you need to specify the name server to be used for that domain. When you sign up for a rental server, the hosting company can provide the name server information.
Adjust the DNS Settings
Finally, you map the domain name to the IP address. This includes configuring A records and MX records.
Configure an A Record
An A record, or Address Record, is the record used to link a domain name to an IP address. For example, it is used when you associate your website’s domain name with the IP address of the web server.
- Access the DNS control panel: Log in to the control panel of the registrar managing the domain or the hosting service.
- Go to the DNS settings: Move to the DNS-related settings section, such as “DNS management” or “DNS settings.”
- Add the A record: Choose the option to add an A record and enter the required information.
Host name: Usually the domain name or subdomain name, such as www.
IP address: Enter the IP address of the server hosting the website. - Save the changes: Save the settings and apply the changes.
Configure an MX Record
An MX record, or Mail Exchange Record, is the record used to specify the mail server that handles emails received through the domain name.
- Access the DNS control panel: Again, log in to the control panel of the registrar or hosting service managing the domain.
- Go to the DNS settings: Move to the DNS-related settings section.
- Add the MX record: Choose the option to add an MX record and enter the required information.
Priority: If you configure multiple mail servers, this number determines which server receives mail first. The lower the number, the higher the priority.
Mail server address: Enter the domain name of the server that handles the mail, such as mail.example.com. - Save the changes: Save the settings and apply the changes.
Points to Watch and Costs
Propagation Time
After changing the name server or DNS settings, it takes time for those changes to be reflected across the internet. In general, it is good to allow anywhere from a few hours to about 48 hours.
Security
Because there is also a risk of DNS hijacking, it is important to choose a trustworthy service.
Costs
Registering a domain usually costs a few hundred to a few thousand yen per year depending on the domain. Name server services are often included in a rental server contract, but if you use a specialized DNS service, additional charges may apply.
Summary
DNS and name servers are foundational parts of operating a website.
By learning this knowledge, launching and managing a website becomes much smoother. I hope this article will help with your website operations.