DNS (Domain Name System) controls how your domain connects to your website, email, and other services.
This guide explains DNS records in simple terms and shows how to manage DNS using DigitalOcean and Cloudflare.
🧠 Understanding DNS Records (Simple Explanation)
DNS records tell the internet what to do with your domain.
🔹 A Record (Most Important)
-
Connects your domain to a server IP address
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Used to load your website
Example:
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example.com → 192.0.2.1
👉 Without a correct A record, your website won’t load.
🔹 CNAME Record
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Points one domain to another domain
-
Commonly used for subdomains
Example:
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www.example.com → example.com
🔹 MX Record (Email)
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Controls where your emails are delivered
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Required for email services to work
Example:
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Routes email to ecHOST mail servers
🔹 TXT Record
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Used for verification and security
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Required for:
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SPF
-
DKIM
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DMARC
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Google verification
-
🧾 Common DNS Records Used with ecHOST
| Record Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| A | Connect the website to the ecHOST server |
| CNAME | Redirect subdomains |
| MX | Email routing |
| TXT | Email security & verification |
🟢 Managing DNS via DigitalOcean
DigitalOcean provides free and reliable DNS management.
🔹 Step 1: Add Domain to DigitalOcean
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Log in to DigitalOcean
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Go to Networking → Domains
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Click Add Domain
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Enter your domain name
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Enter the ecHOST server IP
🔹 Step 2: Update Nameservers
At your domain registrar, update nameservers to:
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ns1.digitalocean.com
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ns2.digitalocean.com
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ns3.digitalocean.com
🔹 Step 3: Add DNS Records
Add the following records:
A Record
-
Host:
@ -
Value: ecHOST Server IP
CNAME Record
-
Host:
www -
Value:
@
MX Records
-
Provided by ecHOST (for email)
TXT Records
-
SPF, DKIM, DMARC as required
🔵 Connecting Domains Using Cloudflare DNS
Cloudflare adds DNS management, security, and performance benefits.
🔹 Step 1: Add Domain to Cloudflare
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Sign up at Cloudflare
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Add your domain
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Cloudflare will scan existing DNS records
🔹 Step 2: Update Nameservers
Cloudflare will provide nameservers like:
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abby.ns.cloudflare.com
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mark.ns.cloudflare.com
Update these nameservers at your domain registrar.
🔹 Step 3: Configure DNS Records
A Record
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Type: A
-
Name:
@ -
IP Address: ecHOST server IP
-
Proxy status: DNS Only (Grey Cloud)
CNAME Record
-
Name:
www -
Target:
@
🔹 Step 4: Email DNS Records
Add MX and TXT records provided by ecHOST to avoid email issues.
⚠️ Important: Do not enable proxy (orange cloud) for mail-related records.
📌 Important DNS Tips
✔ DNS changes take up to 24 hours
✔ Avoid deleting MX records if you use email
✔ Always double-check IP addresses
✔ Keep TTL default unless needed
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if DNS records are wrong?
Your website or email may stop working.
Q: Should I use Cloudflare with ecHOST?
Yes, Cloudflare improves security and performance.
Q: Can ecHOST manage DNS for me?
Yes, if you use ecHOST nameservers.
