While you and I may be familiar with website names like Google or Liquid Web, computers identify each other by a complex string of numbers (and sometimes letters) using a system called DNS (Domain Name System).

DNS manages the association of websites (domains) and IP addresses in a manner very similar to a phone book. DNS records are packaged together and served as a “DNS zone” by specialized software that allows a server to act as a ‘nameserver’. Once a domain’s DNS zone is configured, its nameserver can be set as the ‘authoritative nameserver’ at your domain registrar—initiating the global broadcast of your IP address. More information on DNS found here: What Is the Domain Name System (DNS)?

The relatively simple idea of ‘pointing’ a domain to your new Liquid Web IP address means setting up your domain at Liquid Web is easy. We’ll work through the main milestones in this article.

Step 1: Where is my DNS hosted?

The first question you have to answer is where is your DNS hosted?

Your Liquid Web account portal

This is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to host your DNS records. When you register your domains with Liquid Web and use our nameservers, we can help you make sure all your records are correct and functioning properly. We also have redundant nameserver systems, meaning your DNS records will always be available, even if your server is malfunctioning.

Your own server’s control panel

Managing your DNS using your own server with a control panel like cPanel, Plesk, or Interworx, is easy. The control panel takes care of most of the tasks associated with managing your DNS (including DKIM signing for secure email and SSL certificates). However, unless you use multiple servers this method lacks redundancy. If your server is unavailable, your DNS records are probably unavailable as well.

Your own server without a control panel

You can also host DNS on your own server even without a control panel. This method allows you the flexibility to manage your records directly, but is typically more difficult to implement than using a control panel. Additionally, you still have the risks associated with a locally hosted DNS system.

External DNS hosting

Some users choose to manage their DNS outside of a Liquid Web based system. They may choose a different DNS host completely, such as a 3rd party domain registrar. If your DNS records are hosted with Liquid Web, we’ll be able to assist with any DNS issues you may encounter. If your DNS records are hosted externally, we will be limited on the support we can offer.

Step 2: Managing your DNS records

Now that you know where your DNS records are hosted, you can manage those records to get the most out of your web hosting experience. To understand the main kinds of DNS records and what they do, see What Are DNS Records?

Method #1 – Using Your Liquid Web account portal

One of the most reliable ways to manage your DNS records is to use Liquid Web’s nameservers, available through your Liquid Web account. You can find out how in our article Adding and Editing DNS Records.

Method #2 – Using a Control Panel on your server

Using WHM/cPanel on your server

First, you’ll need to set your server as the authoritative nameserver for your domain. You can learn how to do that with the following article.

Changing Your Website’s Nameservers

Now that WHM/cPanel is functioning as your nameserver, you can manage your DNS records right from your control panel.

Editing DNS Zone Files in WHM/cPanel

Using Plesk on your server

First, you’ll need to set your server as the authoritative nameserver for your domain. You can learn how to do that with the following article.

Changing Your Website’s Nameservers

Now that Plesk is functioning as your nameserver, you can manage your DNS records right from your control panel.

Managing DNS records in Plesk

Using Interworx on your server

First, you’ll need to set your server as the authoritative nameserver for your domain. You can learn how to do that with the following article.

Changing Your Website’s Nameservers

Now that Interworx is functioning as your nameserver, you can manage your DNS records right from your control panel.

Managing DNS records in Interworx

Method #3 – Running DNS as a Service on a Core or Self Managed Server

Hosting your DNS records on a Core or Self-Managed Server gives you the power and control to manage DNS on your own terms. We currently have limited documentation on this topic and Liquid Web technicians will not be able to provide any support for these DNS services. Therefore, any issues you may have with DNS will be your responsibility. Here are some resources that might help you set up DNS services on your self managed server:

Method #4 – External DNS hosting

Choosing to host your DNS records externally can give you some protection from catastrophic system failures. However, Liquid Web technicians will not be able to access third party systems to provide any support for DNS issues (per policy, to protect both our employees and our customers). Therefore, any issues you may have with DNS will be the responsibility of the DNS hosting company.

Step 3: Reverse DNS

Most email servers require you to configure a special DNS record for email security checks called a Reverse DNS record. The record reverses the normal pattern of IP address and hostname, allowing a receiving email server to verify that the hostname associated with the email is hosted on the correct server. See our article on Setting Up Reverse DNS (rDNS) for more information.

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