DNS records: Top 5 Most Popular Types
Every DNS administrator needs to know the different DNS records. There are dozens of sorts, but we will focus on the top 5 most popular. Let’s start.
A record
We will start with an A or Address record. Yes, this is the most fundamental and utilizable DNS record type. It maps an FQDN (fully qualified domain name) to an IPv4 address (IPv6 address for AAAA record). Most people are familiar with a site’s name (hostname) when they desire to visit it. But the address is what they truly need to locate. The visitor’s browser will make numerous requests to various DNS servers until it finds the A record that answers the query. When it receives it back, the browser is already aware of the site’s location and is able to load it.
PTR record
The PTR, or “pointer,” DNS record type associates an IP (IPv4 or IPv6) address in the DNS with a domain name. It’s known as a DNS reverse lookup. So, PTR is the opposite of A record.
We utilize it to establish credibility and certify that a given domain name (hostname) is indeed connected to a particular IP address. As a result, it is viewed as a crucial component when setting up effectively functioning outgoing mail servers. The emails you send will be immediately identified as spam and rejected if you don’t have this DNS record or if you misconfigured it. Absolutely no one wants it. As a result, you should be alert and adjust things appropriately.
SOA record
SOA records are used to identify a domain name’s corresponding authoritative name server. In addition, because they contain data about the zone and the domain itself, such as the refresh rate of both (updates), the number of times servers should wait before the next refresh, the administrator’s contact information, etc., they also serve an administrative function.
MX record
An MX record directs users to the domain’s mail-receiving server. The mail transfer agent (MTA) requests the MX records from the recipient domain’s DNS when a user sends an email message. The hostname or names of the mail servers that accept email for that domain are provided by the MX record. A Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) connection is then established between the transmitting MTA and one of the listed hosts.
MX records are a best practice even if they are not currently needed. For example, mail sent from a domain with no MX record may frequently be blocked as SPAM by a mail server in charge of accepting email, preventing email delivery.
TXT record
Although the TXT record is only a plain text file, it has numerous uses. Sources outside the field can use the text inside as support. For example, use it to send a message to a different DNS administrator, validate the domain name, a service (such as Google, Microsoft, or another), or a process of encryption.
Furthermore, there are different types of TXT records:
- DKIM record (Domain Keys Identified Mail)
- DMARC (Domain Based Message Authentication Reporting and Conformance) record
- SPF (Sender Policy Framework) record
Suggested article: DNS Monitoring – What Is It?
Conclusion
You will be directed to DNS if you manage a network or run an online business. Additionally, DNS records will develop into valuable tools. So, it will be good for you to know them. Luck!
