What are DNS Records?

This DNS post is the single most exciting and inspiring post that I have EVER written.

(Said no one on planet Earth. Ever.)

Into the Weeds

I like to think of Kill the Ball Media as an “Answers Agency.” Give us a bit of time and we’ll come up with a solution to your small business marketing question.

Recently, someone asked me what I can only describe as a “deep in the weeds” question. Especially considering that it was coming from someone who is a self-described “tech avoider.”

The question – “What are DNS records?”

I had to admit the truth.

Although I know what they are meant to do and I know how to add/change/edit them when needed-I really didn’t have a very specific answer.

I should add here that this person that I was speaking to was very appreciative that I kept it to a couple of sentences.

And so was I!

But then, down the rabbit hole I went determined to get the very specific answer to the question should I ever be asked again.

Here is a deep “in the weeds” answer to the question- “What are DNS records?”

There are several types of DNS (Domain Name System) records, each serving different purposes. Here are some of the most common types:

A Record (Address Record)

An A Record is like the GPS for your website! It links your domain name to its ‘home’ on the internet, so when someone types your website’s name, they’re directed to the right place – your IP address! It’s how the internet knows where to find you!

AAAA Record (IPv6 Address Record)

Think of it as the supercharged version of the A Record! Instead of directing traffic using the traditional IPv4 addresses*, it’s all about embracing the future with IPv6**. So, when someone looks up your website, this record ensures they find the right spot in the vast expanse of the internet using IPv6 technology!

Deeper Weeds (sorry!)

* IPv4 addresses? They’re like digital street addresses for devices on the internet. You know, those sets of numbers separated by dots, like 192.0.2.1? Each device hooked up to the internet gets its own unique address so data knows where to go. Pretty neat, huh? But with the internet growing like crazy, we’re starting to run out of these addresses, which is why there’s a newer version called IPv6. It’s like moving to a bigger neighborhood with more houses!

** Think of IPv6 addresses as the next-gen version of those digital street addresses we call IPv4. Instead of being limited to a small neighborhood, IPv6 opens up the whole city! Picture longer, fancier addresses made up of letters and numbers, like 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334. With IPv6, there’s room for practically endless connections, so every device can have its own unique spot in the digital universe. It’s like moving from a cozy street to a bustling metropolis!

CNAME Record (Canonical Name Record)

Ever heard of a shortcut? That’s pretty much what this is for your website! Let’s say you have a fancy domain name, but you also want people to find you using another name, like a nickname. The CNAME record makes it happen! It’s like telling the internet, ‘Hey, when someone looks for this nickname, take them to my official name over there!’ Simple, right? It’s all about making sure everyone can find you, no matter what name they use.

MX Record (Mail Exchange Record)

Picture your email as a package delivery system. When someone sends you an email, it’s like they’re sending a package to your digital mailbox. The MX record is like the postal address for that mailbox – it tells the internet where your email should go! So, when someone hits ‘send,’ the MX record directs their email to the right place – your email server. It’s like having a personal mail sorter for your digital letters!

TXT Record (Text Record)

Think of it as your domain’s personal notepad! You can jot down all sorts of notes and info here. But its real superpower? Verifying stuff! Like when you’re proving your identity online or setting up email security measures. It’s like leaving a digital signature or stamp of approval for your domain. So when SPF* or DKIM** comes knocking, your domain’s TXT record is there to say, ‘Yep, this is legit!’

Deeper Weeds Part II

* What’s SPF? Okay, imagine SPF like a bouncer at a club, but for your emails! It’s all about making sure only the legit servers get past the velvet rope and into your inbox. So, when you send an email, SPF helps the receiving server check if it’s coming from a trusted source. If it’s on the guest list (AKA the SPF record), it’s good to go! But if not, it might get turned away at the door – or at least flagged as suspicious. It’s like having a VIP pass for your emails!

**What’s DKIM? Okay, so think of DKIM as your email’s digital passport! When you send an email, DKIM gives it a special stamp of authenticity. It’s like sealing it with a virtual wax seal unique to your domain. Then, when the email arrives at its destination, the receiving server checks this seal against the one it finds in your domain’s DNS records. If they match, it’s like a friendly nod saying, ‘Hey, this email is from who it says it’s from, and it hasn’t been messed with along the way.’ It’s all about making sure your emails stay safe and trustworthy!

PTR Record (Pointer Record)

Alright, imagine you’ve got an IP address – it’s like the digital version of your home’s address on the internet. Now, a PTR record? It’s like flipping that address upside down! Instead of going from a domain name to an IP address (like with an A record), it does the opposite. So, when you’re curious about who’s behind an IP address, the PTR record swoops in and reveals the domain name it’s associated with. It’s like peeling back the layers of the internet to uncover the real identities behind those mysterious numbers!

NS Record (Name Server Record)

Alright, let’s talk about NS records – they’re like the guardians of your domain’s directory! Think of them as the masterminds behind the scenes, holding all the keys to your domain’s information. When someone types in your website’s name, the NS record jumps into action, pointing them to the right place on the internet. It’s like having a trusted guide leading you through the maze of the web, ensuring you always end up exactly where you’re supposed to be. So, next time you’re surfing the web, remember to thank the NS record for always keeping you on track!

SOA Record (Start of Authority Record)

Alright, let’s talk about the SOA record – it’s like the DNA of your domain! This record holds all the important details that keep your corner of the internet running smoothly. We’re talking about the big stuff here – like who’s in charge (that’s your primary name server), how to reach out if there are any issues (hello, domain administrator’s email!), and other behind-the-scenes info that keeps everything ticking. So, when you’re building your online empire, think of the SOA record as your trusty sidekick, quietly handling the admin stuff so you can focus on what really matters – your awesome website!

SRV Record (Service Record)

Did I have you excited by the prospect that this DNS category had something to do with a record the great Stevie Ray Vaughn? Maybe “Scuttle Buttin” or “Couldn’t Stand the Weather”?

If so I’m deeply, deeply sorry.

Let’s break down the SRV record in plain language:

Imagine you’re at a bustling marketplace, and you’re looking for a specific shop or service. The SRV record is like the map that guides you there! It tells your browser or device where to find important services within a domain, whether it’s an email server, a chat service, or something else entirely.

So, when you’re browsing the web or sending messages, the SRV record quietly works behind the scenes, directing your requests to the right place. It’s like having your own personal GPS for navigating the digital landscape!

CAA Record (Certification Authority Authorization)

Alright, imagine you’re throwing a big party, and you want to make sure only the most trustworthy people can get in. That’s where the CAA record comes in handy! It’s like your exclusive guest list for SSL certificates. You get to decide which certificate authorities (CAs) are allowed to hand out those coveted certificates for your domain.

So, when someone tries to secure a connection with your website, the CAA record steps up and checks if they’re on the guest list. If they are, it’s all good – they get their SSL* certificate and can join the party. But if they’re not, well, sorry, no entry! It’s all about keeping your website secure and making sure only the best CAs get to vouch for you.

SSL

*What’s an SSL Certificate? So, imagine you’re sending a super-secret message to a friend, and you want to make sure nobody else can peek at it while it’s in transit. That’s where an SSL certificate comes in handy! It’s like wrapping your message in a super-strong, invisible cloak of encryption.

So, when you send that message over the internet, the SSL certificate encrypts it into a secret code that only your friend’s device can understand. That way, even if someone tries to snoop on your conversation, all they’ll see is a jumble of nonsense. It’s like having your own secret language for chatting online, keeping your messages safe and sound from prying eyes.

Wrap Up

Joe Santa Maria is the Owner and Creative Director of Kill the Ball Media, a Massachusetts based digital marketing and content creation agency. He can be reached via email at joe@killtheballmedia . You can download this presentation for free at SlideShare.com