NS record ( Name Server Record ) is crucial to correct functioning of domain names. These kind of records are used to identify DNS server names and as a result, ensures the availability of the requested domain name. Whenever you switch to a new hosting service provider you need to switch NS records – this can take as much as 24 hours because the NS record change needs to propagate across the internet. You can control your domain name thanks to specific services provided by domain registrars and the companies that provide web hosting – this includes DNS management and WHOIS management.
WHOIS is relatively limited in scope because it really only serves to help ascertain who really owns a domain, and even then many domain owners prefer hiding their real details so the WHOIS won’t be accurate. It’s simply a formal part of the domain registration process. On the other hand, DNS records that are customized refer to a highly functional area of domain name management, and custom DNS is really key to the availability of internet services, and the ways in which these services behave.
A quick look at NS records
Web hosts and domain registrars will usually let clients edit the NS records for their domain, it’s the most basic functionality of domain names because NS (or name server) records is the supporting layer for DNS (the domain name system). NS records are stored in DNS zone files. Zone files allow users to refer to records to translate domain names into IP addresses.
What NS records are used for
In the main, NS records identify the name of the primary and secondary DNS servers that are responsible for a zone, and by extension, the DNS resolution (availability) of a specific domain. Every DNS server from a DNS zone must have a dedicated NS record assigned to it. It’s a backup function really: it means that even when the primary DNS is offline it is possible to send the resolution request to the listed secondary DNS server.
However, the role of NS records are limited because they only serve to define the name of the domain name servers inside a zone, NS records don’t include the IP addresses that will make sure that a domain resolution request succeeds. That’s why an administrator assigns an IP address in the shape of an A record to the NS records for specific DNS servers (both primary and secondary). Doing so means a connection can be established to these servers so that a DNS resolution can take place successfully.
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