DNS Management at WPCloud: Complete Guide
WPCloud's managed DNS service, covering record management, troubleshooting, and proper change request procedures.
Overview
WPCloud provides professional DNS management as a premium included service for all hosting clients. While clients don't have direct DNS record access, our expert team handles all DNS-related changes through a managed service approach to ensure security and reliability. This guide explains how to effectively manage your DNS records through WPCloud's support system.
Prerequisites
- Active WPCloud hosting account
- Domain name with proper ownership verification
- Access to WPCloud's support portal
Detailed Content
Understanding WPCloud's DNS Management
WPCloud's DNS management service includes:
- Professional management of all DNS record types
- High-availability DNS infrastructure
- Expert configuration and maintenance
- Security monitoring and optimization
Important: While our DNS service is included at no additional cost, you maintain the freedom to use any external DNS provider of your choice without affecting your hosting service.
Common DNS Record Types We Manage
- A Records
- Points your domain to an IPv4 address
- Example:
example.com
→123.45.67.89
- AAAA Records
- Points your domain to an IPv6 address
- Example:
example.com
→2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334
- CNAME Records
- Creates an alias pointing to another domain
- Example:
www.example.com
→example.com
- MX Records
- Directs email to the correct mail servers
- Example:
example.com
→mail.example.com
- TXT Records
- Stores text information for various purposes
- Common uses: SPF records, domain verification
- NS Records
- Specifies authoritative nameservers
- Managed automatically by WPCloud's DNS team
Step-by-Step Instructions for Requesting DNS Changes
- Prepare Your Request
- Gather all necessary record information
- Use text format (no screenshots)
- Submit Support Ticket
- Log into support portal
- Create new ticket
- Select "DNS Management" category
- Provide Required Information
Domain Name: example.com
Record Type: [A/CNAME/MX/TXT/etc.]
Action: [Add/Modify/Delete]
Host/Name: [subdomain or @]
Value: [IP/destination]
TTL: [if specific TTL needed]
- Await Confirmation
- Typical response time: 15 minutes
- Implementation time: Usually immediate after approval
Common Issues and Solutions
Understanding DNS Propagation
- What is DNS Propagation? Think of DNS like a global phone book that needs to be updated everywhere in the world. When you make a DNS change, it's like updating one central copy of this phone book, but there are millions of local copies worldwide that also need to be updated.
- Why Does it Take Time?
- Internet providers and servers worldwide keep their own temporary copies (cache) of this "phone book"
- Each copy updates on its own schedule to save resources
- Some locations might see changes in 15 minutes, while others might take up to 48 hours
- This delay is a fundamental part of how the internet works and is not controlled by any single provider
Important Note: DNS propagation delays are a standard part of the internet's infrastructure. Neither WPCloud nor any other hosting or DNS provider can speed up this process, as it depends on countless servers worldwide updating their cached information.
Email Service Interruptions
- Issue: Email stops working after DNS changes
- Solution:
- First, verify you've provided the correct MX records to WPCloud
- Double-check the MX records from your email provider
- Ensure you've included all required records (MX, TXT, SPF)
- Submit ticket requesting MX record verification
- Allow for propagation time after changes
Website Not Accessible
- Issue: Website unreachable after DNS changes
- Solution: Common checks we perform:
- A record pointing to correct IP
- CNAME conflicts
- NS record configuration
Best Practices for DNS Management
As part of our fully managed DNS service, WPCloud handles:
- Record Keeping
- Comprehensive documentation of all DNS records
- Secure backup of configurations
- Change history maintenance
- Regular audits of record accuracy
- Security Considerations
- Implementation of appropriate TTL values
- Proper security record configuration
- Regular security audits
- Monitoring for unauthorized change attempts
Note: Since WPCloud provides fully managed DNS services, our team handles all these aspects professionally. You don't need to maintain separate records or manage security configurations yourself - that's part of our service to you.
Format for DNS Change Requests
DOMAIN: example.com
REQUESTED CHANGES:
Type: A
Host: @
Value: 123.45.67.89
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I access DNS records through cPanel? A: No, DNS records are managed exclusively by our team for security and reliability.
Q: How quickly are DNS changes implemented? A: Changes are typically implemented within 15 minutes of approval.
Q: Can I use external DNS services? A: Yes, you're free to use any DNS provider while hosting with WPCloud.
Q: What if I need emergency DNS changes? A: Mark your support ticket as urgent for immediate attention.
Support Options
Primary Support Channel
- Support Portal: https://support.wpcloud.ca/clientarea.php
- Email: support@wpcloud.ca
Response Times
- Standard DNS requests: Within 15 minutes
- Emergency requests: Immediate attention
- Support availability: 24/7/365
Required Information for Support
- Domain name
- Current DNS configuration (if known)
- Requested changes in text format
- Purpose of changes (helps us optimize configuration)
Last updated on November 15, 2024