A Records (Address Records)
A records link a domain to its corresponding IPv4 address. For instance, they ensure that when someone types a domain name like "example.com," they reach the correct server hosting that website by providing its specific IPv4 address.
AAAA Records (IPv6 Address Records)
Similar to A records but designed for IPv6 addresses. They associate a domain name with its respective IPv6 address, allowing devices using IPv6 to connect to the correct server.
CNAME Records (Canonical Name Records)
CNAME records alias one domain name to another. For instance, if "example.com" has a CNAME record pointing to "www.example.com," it means both addresses refer to the same location. This is often used to redirect traffic from one domain to another or for setting up subdomains.
MX Records (Mail Exchange Records)
MX records specify the mail server responsible for receiving emails on behalf of a domain. These records help in routing emails sent to a domain to the correct mail server.
TXT Records (Text Records)
TXT records contain textual information about a domain. They are versatile and can serve various purposes, such as domain ownership verification, SPF (Sender Policy Framework) for email validation, and general information storage.
NS Records (Name Server Records)
NS records indicate the authoritative name servers for a specific domain. They point to the servers that hold the DNS records for that domain, enabling others to query and find the correct DNS information.
PTR Records (Pointer Records)
PTR records perform the reverse of an A record. Instead of resolving a domain name to an IP address, they map an IP address to a domain name. These are used in reverse DNS lookups to verify IP addresses.
SRV Records (Service Records)
SRV records define the location of specific services within a domain. They help in identifying the servers providing particular services, like SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol), or other applications.
SOA Records (Start of Authority Records)
SOA records contain essential information about a DNS zone, including the primary name server for the zone, email address of the responsible party, and various timing parameters for the zone.
CAA Records (Certification Authority Authorisation Records)
CAA records specify which certificate authorities are allowed to issue SSL/TLS certificates for a domain. They enhance security by controlling certificate issuance, aiding in preventing unauthorised certificates.
Understanding these DNS record types helps manage and optimise how domains are accessed and utilised across the internet, ensuring efficient routing, secure communications, and accurate service location.
This breakdown covers the primary DNS records and their respective functions in managing domain names, server addresses, email routing, security measures, and more across the internet.