| A (address) | Most commonly used to map a fully qualified domain name (FQDN) to an IPv4 address and acts as a translator by converting domain names to IP addresses. |
| AAAA (quad A) | Similar to A Records but maps to an IPv6 address (smart-phones prefer IPv6, if available). |
| ANAME | This record type allows you to point the root of your domain to a hostname or FQDN. |
| CNAME (Canonical Name) | An alias that points to another domain or subdomain, but never an IP address. Alias record mapping FQDN to FQDN, multiple hosts to a single location. This record is also good for when you want to change an IP address over time as it allows you to make changes without affecting user bookmarks, etc. |
| SOA (Start of Authority) | Stores information about domains and is used to direct how a DNS zone propagates to secondary name servers. |
| NS (name server) | Specifies which name servers are authoritative for a domain or subdomains (these records should not be pointed to a CNAME). |
| MX (Mail eXchange) | Uses mail servers to map where to deliver email for a domain (should point to a mail server name and not to an IP address). |
| TXT (text) | Allows administrators to add limited human and machine-readable notes and can be used for things such as email validation, site, and ownership verification, framework policies, etc., doesn't require specific formatting. |
| SRV (service) | Allows services such as instant messaging or VoIP to be directed to a separate host and port location. |
| SPF (sender policy framework) | Helps prevent email spoofing and limits spammers. |
| PTR (pointer) | A reverse of A and AAAA records, which maps IP addresses to domain names. These records require domain authority and can't exist in the same zone as other DNS record types (put in reverse zones). |
Tip: Always check for typos and mistakes when entering your DNS record information, especially your IPs. The Zone Config File is a good place to check your work and spot any mistyped information.
About the author
DNS Made Easy Team
The DNS Made Easy Team are industry experts passionate about DNS, cybersecurity, and network optimization. With decades of combined experience, they provide in-depth insights, best practices, and technical guidance to help businesses enhance performance, security, and reliability in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Stay informed with expert-driven content!
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