How do you manage DNS records in Plesk?

Introduction

Each site requires an easy-to-read and understand internet address, which we refer to as a domain name. The Domain Name System (DNS) converts that human-readable name to the machine language that your server understands. All online services require good DNS settings. Unsuitable environments may crash your site or prevent your mail server from receiving emails. This tutorial will tell you how to manage these important DNS records within your Plesk control panel.

The DNS and the Role of Plesk

DNS is the phonebook of the internet, which associates names with the IP addresses of the servers. Plesk can be a primary (master) or a secondary (slave) name server of your domains. When adding a new domain, Plesk will automatically configure the DNS settings, which are however editable via the interface if you need custom changes. In case you want to use external name servers, you can also turn off the DNS service of Plesk.

Adding and Modifying DNS Records

Plesk automatically sets up a DNS zone in each new domain. This default configuration generally works fine for most users. Nevertheless, you may perform custom modifications if you use the Plesk Name Server and need specific changes.

Customizing Your DNS Zone

This is the advanced users’ section. Errors in configuring DNS settings may damage your email and website accessibility. Proceed with caution.

View the Current DNS Records

In order to view the existing records in a domain’s DNS zone. Visit ‘Websites and Domains’, and after that, click on DNS settings.

Add a New Resource Record

To create a new record, go to Websites and Domains and DNS Settings, where you will find the Add Record button.

Modify an Existing Record

To modify an already existing record, you can visit the Websites and Domains > DNS settings and simply click on the record that you wish to modify.

Understand the SOA Record

Besides the general resource records, a Start of Authority (SOA) record also exists. The Start of Authority (SOA) record informs other systems that this specific DNS name server is responsible for the domain’s DNS zone. It contains settings that control the transfer of zone information across the Domain Name System.

Using External Name Servers (NS)

You do not need to use Plesk as your primary name server in order to host sites. Plesk has several options for managing DNS service.

Configuring Plesk as Secondary or Disabling DNS

These options allow you to integrate Plesk with external DNS services. This is helpful if you already have a dedicated name server infrastructure.

Plesk as a Secondary Name Server

You can use Plesk as a secondary (slave) in case you already have a primary name server. You can switch the Plesk DNS server to act as a secondary (slave) server. Go to the Websites and Domains and the DNS settings, and choose the Master/Slave.

Returning to Primary Name Server

To go back to the primary, perform the same step in the DNS Settings, i.e., repeat the Master/Slave step.

Turning off the DNS Service of Plesk

In case you use external primary and secondary servers, turn off Plesk DNS service for a site. On the Websites and domains > DNS Settings, you will find the disable option.

Cantech Reliable Hosting Solutions

Cantech has powerful hosting environments that are fully compatible with Plesk. Your DNS updates are fast and efficient, and the domain name resolves, and the websites load rapidly. We give you the tools you need for precise control over your online presence.

Conclusion

The DNS records management in Plesk provides complete control over where your domain points. This flexibility plays a very important role in the complicated hosting configurations and integrations of services. These steps should be followed, particularly when making modifications. Correct DNS setup ensures your mail services and website are running well.

FAQs

What is a DNS Zone?

A DNS zone is a specific portion of the Domain Name System’s global namespace, which is basically a file that is a collection of all resource records of a single domain.

What happens if I enter the wrong IP address in a DNS record?

Incorrect IP addresses will result in the browsers connecting to the incorrect server, thus the site will be unavailable to the visitors trying to access it.

Why is the SOA record important?

The SOA defines zone authority and holds administrative information such as the email of the zone administrator and the zone’s serial number for updates.

What are the differences between a primary and a secondary name server?

The primary (master) name server holds the original, editable copy of the DNS zone file. The secondary (slave) name server holds a copy and gets its updates from the primary server.

Is it appropriate that a regular user make changes to DNS records?

No, a basic user should generally avoid modifying DNS records. DNS changes are highly technical, and mistakes can cause your services to stop working. Only advanced users or administrators should handle these modifications.