Logo

Domains and DNS Management

A comprehensive guide to managing your domains and DNS infrastructure on KairoHost LLC. From registering new domains to configuring complex routing records and understanding DNS propagation, this guide covers everything you need to keep your online services connected.

Understanding DNS Infrastructure

The Domain Name System (DNS) is often referred to as the phonebook of the internet. It translates human-readable domain names (like `kairohost.com`) into machine-readable IP addresses (like `192.168.1.1`). Without a properly configured DNS, your website, email, and subdomains simply will not work.

DNS Propagation

Whenever you change your nameservers or update DNS records, it takes time for those changes to update across all internet service providers globally. This process, known as propagation, typically takes 1 to 4 hours but can take up to 48 hours in rare cases. Always plan DNS changes during low-traffic windows.

Domain Registration & Transfer

Whether you are buying a new domain or bringing an existing one to KairoHost, follow these steps to secure your digital identity.

Recommended workflow

  1. Navigate to the Domains section in your dashboard and search for your desired name.
  2. Add the domain to your cart. Ensure you add ID Protection if you want to keep your personal contact details hidden from the public WHOIS database.
  3. Complete the checkout process. New domain registrations are typically active within 5 minutes.
  4. If transferring a domain, obtain the EPP Authorization Code from your current registrar and ensure the domain is unlocked.
  5. Initiate the transfer in the KairoHost LLC dashboard. Domain transfers usually take between 3 to 7 days depending on the losing registrar's policies.

Notes and best practices

  • ICANN regulations prevent the transfer of any domain that has been registered or transferred within the last 60 days.
  • Ensure your administrative email address on the domain is accurate before initiating a transfer, as you must approve the transfer via email.

Configuring DNS Records

If you are using KairoHost LLC's Premium DNS or our default nameservers, you can manage all your records directly from the control panel. Understanding the different record types is critical for proper service routing.

Common DNS Record Types

The most frequently used DNS records and their purposes.

A Record (Address)

Points your domain name directly to an IPv4 address. This is the most fundamental record used to connect your domain to your hosting server.

CNAME (Canonical Name)

Points a subdomain (like `www.yourdomain.com`) to another domain name instead of an IP address. Never use a CNAME for the root domain.

MX Record (Mail Exchange)

Directs email traffic to your mail servers. Crucial for ensuring that emails sent to `@yourdomain.com` reach your inbox.

TXT Record (Text)

Used primarily for domain verification (like Google Search Console) and email security protocols (SPF, DKIM, and DMARC).

Modifying the Root Domain

Never set a CNAME record on your 'root' or 'apex' domain (e.g., `yourdomain.com` without the `www`). Doing so violates RFC standards and will immediately break your MX records, causing all inbound email to fail. If you need to point a root domain to another domain, use an ALIAS or ANAME record if supported, or a standard A record.

DNSSEC Security

DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) adds cryptographic signatures to your DNS records. This prevents attackers from poisoning DNS caches and redirecting your users to fraudulent websites (DNS spoofing).

  • Enable DNSSEC: If your domain is registered with KairoHost LLC and uses our Premium DNS, you can enable DNSSEC with a single click in the DNS manager.
  • Third-Party Registrars: If your domain is registered elsewhere but hosted here, you must generate the DS (Delegation Signer) records in our panel and manually add them at your registrar.
  • Troubleshooting: If you migrate to a new DNS provider, you MUST disable DNSSEC at your registrar before changing nameservers. Failing to do so will result in a total global outage for your domain.

Popular Troubleshooting Guides

Step-by-step solutions for common DNS challenges.