Understanding DNS

DNS (Domain Name System) translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other. Managing DNS records allows you to control where your domain points and how services like email work.

Accessing DNS Zone Editor

  1. Log in to EGPNL
  2. Go to Domains
  3. Click on your domain name
  4. Select DNS Zone or DNS Editor
Note: DNS zone editing is only available if you're using EGPHP nameservers. If using external nameservers, manage DNS at your registrar.

DNS Record Types

A Address Record

Points a domain or subdomain to an IPv4 address. Most basic and common record type.

Use for: Pointing your domain to your server

@ → 192.168.1.1 (points yourdomain.com to server)

AAAA IPv6 Address Record

Same as A record but for IPv6 addresses.

Use for: IPv6 connectivity

@ → 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334

CNAME Canonical Name Record

Points a subdomain to another domain name (alias). Cannot be used on root domain.

Use for: Creating aliases, pointing www to root domain

www → yourdomain.com (www.yourdomain.com points to yourdomain.com)

MX Mail Exchange Record

Specifies mail servers responsible for receiving email. Requires priority value.

Use for: Email delivery configuration

@ → mail.yourdomain.com (priority: 10)

TXT Text Record

Contains text information for various purposes like domain verification and email authentication.

Use for: SPF, DKIM, DMARC, domain verification

@ → "v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all"

NS Nameserver Record

Specifies authoritative nameservers for your domain.

Use for: Delegating DNS to specific nameservers

@ → ns1.egphp.com

Common DNS Configurations

Basic Website Setup

  • A @ → Your Server IP - Points root domain to server
  • A www → Your Server IP or CNAME www → @ - Points www subdomain

Email Setup

  • MX @ → mail.yourdomain.com (priority 10)
  • A mail → Your Server IP
  • TXT @ → "v=spf1 a mx ~all" (SPF record)

Subdomain Setup

  • A blog → Your Server IP - Creates blog.yourdomain.com
  • CNAME shop → shopify.com - Points shop subdomain to Shopify

Adding a DNS Record

  1. Open the DNS Zone Editor for your domain
  2. Click Add Record
  3. Select the record type (A, CNAME, MX, etc.)
  4. Enter the name (@ for root, or subdomain name)
  5. Enter the value (IP address, hostname, or text)
  6. Set TTL (Time To Live) - default 3600 is usually fine
  7. Click Save
TTL Tip: Lower TTL (300-600 seconds) during changes for faster propagation. Increase to 3600+ for stable configurations to reduce DNS queries.

Editing and Deleting Records

To modify existing records:

  1. Find the record in your DNS zone
  2. Click the Edit (pencil) icon
  3. Make your changes
  4. Click Save

To delete a record, click the Delete (trash) icon and confirm.

Caution: Deleting essential records (like A or MX) can make your website or email inaccessible. Always double-check before deleting.

Related Articles

Connecting Your Domain SPF, DKIM & DMARC DNS Propagation Delay Creating Email Accounts