Welcome to Domains Central
Our domain knowledge hub — your go-to resource for all things domains. Here, you'll find clear guidance on registering domains, understanding records, and ensuring long-term control through effective configuration and renewal strategies.
What Are Domains?
Understanding the fundamentals of domain names and how they work
Domain Definition
A domain name is a human-readable address that points to a specific location on the internet. Instead of remembering complex IP addresses like 192.168.1.1, we use memorable names like "google.com".
Domain Registration
To own a domain, you register it through a domain registrar. You don't actually "buy" a domain - you lease it for a period of time (usually 1-10 years) and must renew it to maintain ownership.
How Domains Work
When you type a domain name, your browser needs to find the corresponding IP address. This is where DNS (Domain Name System) comes into play, acting as the internet's phone book.
Domain Anatomy
Understanding the structure of domain names
Subdomain
Optional prefix that can organize your site into different sections like blog.example.com or shop.example.com
Second-Level Domain
Your unique identifier. This is the name you register and what people remember about your brand
Top-Level Domain
The highest level in the hierarchy. Common examples include .com, .org, .net, and country codes like .uk
What is DNS?
DNS, or Domain Name System, is like the internet's phone book. It translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses that computers can understand. When you type "google.com" in your browser, DNS finds the corresponding IP address (like 142.250.191.14) so your browser can connect to the right server.
How DNS Resolution Works:
Browser
- 1Query: You type a domain name in your browser
- 2Local Cache: Browser checks its cache first
DNS Resolver
- 3Recursive Query: If not cached, asks DNS resolver
- 4Root Servers: DNS resolver queries root name servers
- 5TLD Servers: Root servers direct to TLD servers
Name Server
- 6Authoritative Servers: TLD servers direct to domain's name servers
- 7Response: IP address is returned to your browser
DNS Record Types
DNS records are instructions that tell DNS servers how to handle requests for your domain. Each record type serves a specific purpose.
Basic DNS Records
Essential records for basic domain functionality and web hosting.
A Record
Purpose: Maps a domain name to an IPv4 address
Example: example.com → 192.168.1.1
AAAA Record
Purpose: Maps a domain name to an IPv6 address
Example: example.com → 2001:db8::1
CNAME Record
Purpose: Creates an alias pointing to another domain
Example: www.example.com → example.com
NS Record
Purpose: Specifies authoritative name servers
Example: example.com → ns1.example.com
ANAME Record
Purpose: Maps the root domain to another hostname (like CNAME for apex domains)
Example: example.com → cdn.example.com
DNAME Record
Purpose: Creates an alias for an entire subtree of the domain
Example: Redirects all subdomains from one domain to another
Email DNS Records
Records specifically for email functionality and security.
MX Record
Purpose: Specifies mail servers for the domain
Example: example.com → mail.example.com
SPF Record
Purpose: Prevents email spoofing by specifying authorized mail servers
Example: SPF record for email authentication
DKIM Record
Purpose: Email authentication using digital signatures
Example: DKIM key for email security
DMARC Record
Purpose: Email authentication policy (SPF + DKIM)
Example: DMARC policy for email security
Advanced DNS Records
Specialized records for advanced functionality and security.
TXT Record
Purpose: Stores text information (verification, SPF, DKIM, etc.)
Example: Domain verification, SPF records, DKIM keys
CAA Record
Purpose: Specifies which Certificate Authorities can issue SSL certificates
Example: CAA record for SSL certificate control
PTR Record
Purpose: Reverse DNS lookup (IP to domain name)
Example: 192.168.1.1 → example.com
SRV Record
Purpose: Specifies services available on a domain (ports, protocols)
Example: Service discovery for applications
SOA Record
Purpose: Start of Authority - defines the authoritative name server
Example: Primary name server and zone information
NAPTR Record
Purpose: Name Authority Pointer - used for complex rewriting rules (often for VoIP and ENUM)
Example: Maps telephone numbers to SIP addresses