What Is DNS? A Simple Guide to DNS Records

Every time you type a website address like google.com into your browser, you’re using something called DNS – Domain Name System. It’s the behind-the-scenes system that helps your browser find the correct website by translating domain names into IP addresses.

What Does DNS Do?

Computers don’t understand domain names — they understand IP addresses (like 142.250.185.46). DNS works like the internet’s phonebook, converting names into numbers so browsers can load the right site.

Example::

• You type: aligunes.me

• DNS finds: 142.250.185.46

• Your browser connects to that address.

Common DNS Record Types

DNS records are settings that tell the internet how to route traffic for your domain. Here's a quick overview of the most important types:

A Record (Address)

• Maps a domain to an IPv4 address.

• Example: aligunes.me → 192.0.2.1

AAAA Record

• Like an A record, but for IPv6 addresses.

• Example: aligunes.me → 2001:db8::1

CNAME Record (Canonical Name)

• Points one domain to another domain name.

• Example: www.aligunes.me → aligunes.me

MX Record (Mail Exchange)

• Directs emails to the correct mail server.

• Example: aligunes.me → mail.aligunes.me

TXT Record

• Stores text data, often for verification or security (SPF, DKIM).

• Example: v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all

NS Record (Name Server)

• Lists the DNS servers responsible for your domain.

• Example: v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all

TXT Record

• Stores text data, often for verification or security (SPF, DKIM).

• Example: ns1.hosting.com, ns2.hosting.com

Less Common but Important DNS Records

SRV Record (Service)

• Specifies the location of services like VoIP, Microsoft Teams, etc.

• Example: _sip._tcp.aligunes.me → sipserver.aligunes.me

PTR Record (Pointer)

• Used for reverse DNS lookup — IP to domain name.

• Common in email server validation.

SOA Record (Start of Authority)

• Contains admin info and settings for a domain zone.

• Automatically created by DNS providers.

CAA Record (Certification Authority Authorization)

• Specifies which SSL certificate authorities can issue certificates for your domain.

• Example: 0 issue "letsencrypt.org"

DNSSEC Records

• Provide cryptographic security to DNS records.

• Types include: RRSIG, DNSKEY, DS, NSEC, NSEC3

Summary Table: What Each DNS Record Does

Record Type	What It Does
A	Maps domain to IPv4 address
AAAA	Maps domain to IPv6 address
CNAME	Redirects domain to another domain
MX	Handles email delivery
TXT	Stores text (security, verification)
NS	Lists authoritative DNS servers
SRV	Points to service-specific destinations
PTR	Reverse lookup: IP → domain
SOA	Zone configuration and metadata
CAA	Controls SSL certificate authorities
DNSSEC	Adds security with digital signatures

DNS is one of the foundations of how the internet works. Whether you're building websites, setting up emails, or managing domains, understanding DNS records is key to keeping your online presence running smoothly and securely.