DNS Record Types
So let me share you a story. Recently I have shared a photo with one of my friend. She asked me that where did I clicked this ? I replied her that I was in 22°34′34.14″N 88°21′42.47″E . So then she was like - huh?
Now just think for moment that as a human being how difficult for us to memorized such big numbers as by default our algorithm has set to looking for proper name not for numbers.
But for browser it’s a whole different story all together. It is based on pure Numbers.
So by far we have come to this conclusion that there is a problem that needs to be solve for real.
Here comes the DNS.
DNS- Domain Name System
As it’s name suggest that it’s a System out there that translate the IP address (Numbers) to names. It’s the phone book of Internet. You just type the name hit the key and DNS will do all the hard work for you.
DNS Records
Now that we have a basic Idea of DNS, We can go into the DNS Records.
In simple words DNS Records give us Information about the Domain Name. It is used for connect the IP address to the Domain Name.
There are different types of DNS Records. Let’s have a look one by one.
Record Types
NS Record: Name Server record is like mother of all records. Like if DNS is the Phonebook of Internet then NS Records are the directories that store the name server address(like A Records, AAAA Records, CNAME)
A Record : This are the most basic type of records that are used to point a domain to an IP address(IPv4). When we type a domain this Record helps Internet Which Server to go.
AAAA Record: It’s pretty much similar like A Record except it uses IPv6. That means it has 128-bit address unlike A record which has 32-bit. As Ipv4 is limited and it has less routing speed compare to IPv6.
Both Record Called has Host Records.
CNAME : This records resolves one domain to another domain name. In simple words it gives our servers a second name. So when we change our server we only have to change the host records.
MX Records : Mail Exchange Records are the records that tells the Internet where to send our emails. MX Records are like modern day post office. It is very essential record to make sure that our emails are reaching out to the exact location.
TXT Records: Text Records helps to check the authenticity of our Domain and allow us to put miscellaneous data within the DNS System.
How all DNS Records Work Together
- First We search for lets say amazon.in from here browser asks — “where is amazon.in”?
2. NS Records tells which DNS Server has the full details of the server.
3. A/AAAA Records gives the IP address of the server.(IPv4 or IPv6)
4. CNAME Records If the domain is an alias (www.amazon.in—> amazon.in)
5. MX & TXT Records These are checked when needed for verification purpose.
6. Browser Gets the IP now browser knows which server to connect to.
7. We reach out to amazon.in
This is the first ever blog that I have written in my life. So wish me luck for future. Till then Be Happy!