Add a Domain and Create DNS Records in UltraDNS

This article explains how to add a domain to UltraDNS and create DNS records within that domain. It also explains the difference between creating a domain and creating DNS records, which are separate actions in the UltraDNS portal.

When to Use This Article

• You need to add a new domain to your UltraDNS account.
• You need to create DNS records within a domain.
• You need to create an A, AAAA, or CNAME record.
• You are new to UltraDNS and want to understand how domains and DNS records relate to each other.

Before You Begin

A common misunderstanding is that creating a domain in UltraDNS registers a domain name.

UltraDNS provides DNS hosting and DNS management. UltraDNS does not register domain names.

Before adding a domain to UltraDNS, the domain name must already exist and be registered through a domain registrar.

Adding a domain in UltraDNS creates a DNS zone where DNS records can be managed.

Understanding Domains and DNS Records

A domain in UltraDNS is also called a DNS zone.

The zone contains the DNS records that control how DNS queries for the domain are answered.

You must create the domain first before you can create DNS records inside it.

For example:

• The domain example.com is the DNS zone.
• www.example.com may be an A record inside that zone.
• mail.example.com may be an MX record inside that zone.

Common DNS Record Types

UltraDNS supports many DNS record types. The most commonly used record types include:

• A Record - Maps a hostname to an IPv4 address.
• AAAA Record - Maps a hostname to an IPv6 address.
• CNAME Record - Maps one hostname to another hostname.
• MX Record - Identifies mail servers for a domain.
• TXT Record - Stores text-based information such as email authentication records.

Add a Domain in UltraDNS

1. Log in to the UltraDNS portal.
2. Select Domains from the navigation menu.
3. Click Add Domain.
4. Enter the domain name.
5. Select the appropriate domain type:
   • Primary - Domain managed by UltraDNS.
   • Secondary - Domain data obtained from an external primary name server.
   • Alias - Domain that points to an existing primary domain.
6. If multiple accounts are available, select the appropriate account.
7. Click Save.

After the domain is created, you can begin creating DNS records within the zone.

Create an A Record

An A record maps a hostname to an IPv4 address.

1. Select Domains.
2. Open the domain where the record will be created.
3. Select the Records tab.
4. Locate the A (Address - IPv4) section.
5. Click Add Record.
6. Complete the required fields:
   • Host - The hostname being created.
   • Points To - The destination IPv4 address.
   • TTL - Optional time-to-live value in seconds.
7. Click Save.

Create an AAAA Record

An AAAA record maps a hostname to an IPv6 address.

1. Open the desired domain.
2. Select the Records tab.
3. Locate the AAAA (Address - IPv6) section.
4. Click Add Record.
5. Enter the hostname, IPv6 address, and optional TTL value.
6. Click Save.

Create a CNAME Record

A CNAME record points one hostname to another hostname.

1. Open the desired domain.
2. Select the Records tab.
3. Locate the CNAME section.
4. Click Add Record.
5. Enter the hostname.
6. Enter the destination hostname in the Points To field.
7. Optionally specify a TTL value.
8. Click Save.

Verify Your Changes

After creating a domain or DNS record:

• Confirm the domain appears in the Domains list.
• Confirm the new record appears in the Records section of the domain.
• Perform a DNS lookup against the authoritative name servers to confirm the expected response is returned.

Common Issues

• Creating records in the wrong domain.
• Using an incorrect hostname.
• Entering an incorrect IP address or destination hostname.
• Confusing domain creation with DNS record creation.
• Expecting UltraDNS to register a domain name.

Expected Outcome

The domain is created in UltraDNS as a DNS zone, and the required DNS records are configured within that zone.