DNS Management Guide
Complete guide to managing DNS records and nameservers with Flexiscale
Understanding DNS
DNS (Domain Name System) translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses that computers use to communicate. Think of it as the internet's phone book.
How DNS Works
- User types "yoursite.co.uk" in their browser
- Browser queries DNS servers for the domain's IP address
- DNS returns the IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1)
- Browser connects to the web server at that IP address
- Website loads for the user
Key DNS Components
Nameservers
Servers that host your DNS records and respond to DNS queries for your domain.
DNS Records
Individual entries that specify how your domain should behave (where to send traffic, email, etc.).
TTL (Time To Live)
How long DNS records are cached by other servers before checking for updates.
Propagation
The time it takes for DNS changes to spread across the internet (usually 4-48 hours).
DNS Record Types
Essential Record Types
A Record (Address)
Points your domain to an IPv4 address (e.g., 192.168.1.1)
CNAME Record (Canonical Name)
Points your domain to another domain name (alias)
MX Record (Mail Exchange)
Specifies mail servers responsible for email delivery
TXT Record (Text)
Stores text information for verification, SPF, DKIM, and other purposes
Advanced Record Types
AAAA Record
IPv6 address mapping
SRV Record
Service location records
NS Record
Nameserver records
PTR Record
Reverse DNS lookup
Managing DNS in Flexiscale
Accessing DNS Management
- Log in to your Flexiscale dashboard
- Navigate to "Domains" in the main menu
- Select the domain you want to manage
- Click on "DNS Management" tab
- View existing records or add new ones
Adding DNS Records
Step-by-Step Process
- Click "Add Record" button
- Select record type (A, CNAME, MX, etc.)
- Enter the host/name (@ for root domain, www for subdomain)
- Input the target value (IP address, domain name, etc.)
- Set TTL (Time To Live) - recommended: 3600 seconds
- Click "Save" to add the record
Common DNS Configurations
Basic Website Setup
Email Setup (Google Workspace)
Subdomain Configuration
Nameserver Management
Flexiscale Nameservers
By default, domains registered or transferred to Flexiscale use our nameservers:
Using External Nameservers
You can use external DNS providers while keeping your domain registered with Flexiscale:
Popular DNS Providers
- • Cloudflare (free CDN and security)
- • Amazon Route 53 (AWS integration)
- • Google Cloud DNS (Google services)
- • Azure DNS (Microsoft services)
Changing Nameservers
⚠️ Important Considerations
- Changing nameservers affects all DNS records
- Ensure new provider has all necessary records configured
- Changes can take 24-48 hours to propagate globally
- Website and email may be temporarily affected
- Access your domain management dashboard
- Navigate to "Nameservers" section
- Select "Use custom nameservers"
- Enter the new nameserver addresses
- Save changes and wait for propagation
DNS Troubleshooting
Common DNS Issues
Website Not Loading
- • Check A record points to correct IP address
- • Verify domain name is spelled correctly
- • Ensure web server is running and accessible
- • Check for recent DNS changes
Email Not Working
- • Verify MX records are configured correctly
- • Check MX record priorities are set properly
- • Ensure SPF and DKIM records are in place
- • Test email server connectivity
Slow DNS Resolution
- • Check TTL values (lower for frequent changes)
- • Consider using a CDN like Cloudflare
- • Monitor nameserver response times
- • Optimize DNS record structure
DNS Testing Tools
Command Line Tools
- •
nslookup domain.com - •
dig domain.com - •
ping domain.com
Online Tools
- • DNS Checker (whatsmydns.net)
- • MX Toolbox
- • Google DNS Lookup
Best Practices
- Use appropriate TTL values: 3600 seconds for stable records, 300 for testing
- Monitor propagation: Check multiple locations when making changes
- Keep records simple: Avoid unnecessary complexity in DNS configuration
- Document changes: Keep track of DNS modifications and their purposes
- Test thoroughly: Verify changes work before considering them complete