In this article, we won’t be using many technical terms. We are going to explain what you need to know about the active DNS zone and how it affects your domain name.
Тhere are two methods to point your domain name to your hosting plan:
- Using A records;
- Using NS records.
Either one of those alternatives will point your domain to the corresponding hosting server, however, there is a difference between both.
Here is how you can point your domain name to WPX.
Difference between using A records and NS records
If you decide to point your domain name to the hosting server, using A records the active DNS zone will not be changed.
The active DNS zone is where you point ur NS records. When you purchase your domain name, the active DNS zone is usually set by default Nameservers to point to your domain registrar. When you change the NS records to point your domain to the hosting server, the active DNS zone changes too.
The main difference between pointing your domain with A records and NS records is that the NS records affect your active DNS zone and the A records don’t affect it.
What does an active DNS zone mean?
We’ve said a couple of times now that the active DNS zone will change if you change your NS records, but what does that mean?
The active DNS zone is where you can add more DNS records for different services and they will be globally acknowledged.
For example, if you want to use a Mail service, essentially you need to add MX records. Those records should be added to your active DNS zone. Otherwise, the mail service cannot be changed.
Many customers are using Cloudflare which requires the NS records to be pointed to them. This means that the active DNS zone of that domain will be with Cloudflare.
Therefore, all DNS management should be done in Cloudflare, otherwise, it won’t be effective.
How can I check the NS records that my domain is using?
You can check the NS records that your domain is currently using with an online tool. When you know which NS records your domain is using, you will be able to manage your DNS records properly.
If you have any other questions on the topic, don’t hesitate to contact the WPX Support Team via live chat (use the bottom right-hand widget) and they will respond and help within 30 seconds or less.