Configuring DNS Records and Domain Setup - X-ZoneServers Knowledge Base

Learn how to point your domain to your X-ZoneServers VPS or dedicated server with proper DNS configuration.

Understanding DNS Record Types

A Record

Points a domain to an IPv4 address

example.com → 203.0.113.10

AAAA Record

Points a domain to an IPv6 address

example.com → 2001:0db8::1

CNAME Record

Creates an alias pointing to another domain

www.example.com → example.com

MX Record

Specifies mail servers for the domain

example.com → mail.example.com (Priority: 10)

TXT Record

Stores text information (SPF, DKIM, verification)

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

Basic Domain Setup

Step 1: Point Domain to Server

Add these records at your domain registrar:

Type	Name	Value	TTL
A	@	your_server_ip	3600
A	www	your_server_ip	3600
CNAME	*	@	3600

DNS Propagation

DNS changes can take 1-48 hours to propagate globally. Most changes are visible within 1-2 hours.

Email Configuration

MX Records for Email

Type	Name	Value	Priority
MX	@	mail.example.com	10
A	mail	your_server_ip	-

SPF Record (Email Authentication)

Type: TXT
Name: @
Value: v=spf1 mx ip4:your_server_ip ~all

DMARC Record

Type: TXT
Name: _dmarc
Value: v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; rua=mailto:[email protected]

Verify DNS Configuration

Using Command Line Tools

# Check A record
dig example.com A +short

# Check MX records
dig example.com MX +short

# Check all DNS records
dig example.com ANY

# Check with specific nameserver
dig @8.8.8.8 example.com

# Check DNS propagation
nslookup example.com

# Detailed DNS information
host -a example.com

Online DNS Checker Tools

whatsmydns.net - Check global DNS propagation
dnschecker.org - Multi-location DNS checker
mxtoolbox.com - Email and DNS diagnostics

Subdomain Configuration

Create subdomains for different services:

Subdomain	Type	Value	Purpose
blog	A	your_server_ip	Blog/Website
api	A	your_server_ip	API Server
cdn	CNAME	cdn.provider.com	CDN

Reverse DNS (PTR Record)

Reverse DNS is important for email deliverability. Contact X-ZoneServers support to set up PTR records for your server.

What to Request:

• Your server IP address
• Desired PTR record (e.g., mail.example.com)
• Purpose (email server, etc.)

Verify PTR Record

# Check PTR record
dig -x your_server_ip +short

# Alternative
host your_server_ip

DNS Configuration Checklist

✓ A records pointing to server IP
✓ CNAME for www subdomain
✓ MX records for email (if needed)
✓ SPF/DKIM/DMARC records configured
✓ DNS propagation verified
✓ Reverse DNS (PTR) set up