DNS FAQ's
DefinitionsTechnicalControl PanelDNS and Nameservers- How long does propagation take?
- When do your DNS servers refresh?
- How do I add a domain into your DNS servers?
- How to start using safeDNS?
- Where is safeDNS hosted?
- How long does safeDNS take to set up?
- How much is safeDNS?
- How long does it take for my DNS changes to take effect?
What is DNS?
The DNS (domain name system/server) is the way that Internet domain names are located and translated into IP addresses - essentially it is nothing more than a directory distributed throughout the Internet.
If DNS were to fail, you would not be able to find any Websites which are hosted on a different network and emails would be undeliverable. So it is really important.
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How does DNS work?
DNS is the basic method which allows a domain name to lead customers to your website as a they attempt to log onto your site.
Every time you enter a domain name you use the Internet's DNS Servers to translate the domain name into the IP address to find the web page.
To determine which primary name server contains your domain name records, a local name server contacts the root domain name server.
The root domain name server then returns the IP address of the primary name server responsible for the domain being requested.
The primary name server becomes the next machine contacted by the local name server.
The primary name server holds the IP address for the domain name and satisfies the the local name server's request.
Then the local name server can finally return to the web browser with the IP address.
Using the IP address, the web browser can then contact your company web server and retrieve your web pages.
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What are the UKFAST DNS servers?
The current DNS servers are as follows:
ns0.ukfast.net
ns1.ukfast.net
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How long does propagation take?
This depends on what has been changed or registered.
If your domain is not currently working and you have:
1. Only just registered the domain name then please allow for at least 24-48 hours propagation time.
2. Altered the Nameservers associated with a domain name then please allow for at least 24-48 hours propagation time.
3. Altered DNS (A Name or MX) records for the domain name then please allow at least 3-24 hours propagation time.
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When do your DNS servers refresh?
UKFast's nameservers refresh every 3 hours from 0:00
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How do I add a domain into your DNS servers?
1. Log into your client area and select the "Services" tab.
2. Select "DNS Records" from the left hand menu.
3. Click on the "Add new DNS Records" button.
4. Enter the details for the domain you wish to add in. Here is a quick guide to the records you can enter
Primary fields: This is for your website. Simply enter your domain name, and the IP address your website is currently hosted on
Subdomains: These are for additional websites and dedicated mail servers you may be running. Enter the details in the same manner as the Primary fields and then click "Add"
MX Records: This tells mail servers where to direct email for your domain. This should always be set as an A Name record rather than a raw IP address, as mail servers will refuse to deliver mail to your domain if you use a raw IP address.
TXT Records: These are used for SPF records and DomainKeys - 2 new technologies in fighting spam.
CName Records: This maps an alias or nickname to an A Name record. These are not always reliable, and wherever possible it is always recommended that you use A Name records
Notes: This is purely for the UKFast system. A note is required in order to be able to save the domain, and is always useful as each save is given a timestamp.
5. Click "Save"
Your DNS update will then begin propogating at the next refresh of our DNS servers.
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How to start using safeDNS?
To start using our safeDNS service, you can sign up online.
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Where is safeDNS hosted?
Reliability is everything with DNS. To maximise and guarantee up-time, safeDNS is located in 2 separate data-centres, in London and Manchester. Each location is equipped with their own UPS (uninterrupted power supplies) Back up Generators, Early warning Fire Detection systems, coupled with unparalleled connectivity on the UKFast backbone. All the servers in the safeDNS solution are RAID5, each with it's own dedicated back up server. It is company policy to have duplicate machines available and spare parts to insure that even in the worst case scenario the solution remains redundant.
The servers, switches and routers in the safeDNS solution are monitored around the clock 365 days a year. Our engineers are at hand to make sure that safeDNS remains the most robust managed DNS system in the UK.
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How long does safeDNS take to set up?
Branded safe DNS
In an optimum situation where the domain to be used is already with UKFast, the set up takes approximately 24 hours.
If the domain needs to be transferred to UKFast first, the timeframe will be dictated by the length of time it takes the losing ISP to authorise the domain transfer.
Unbranded safeDNS
Once you have conmpleted the sign up process, an email will be sent to you containing your username and password for your safeDNS Control Panel. You will be able to start making channges to your DNS in just 15 minutes.
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How much is safeDNS?
Your own name server and 2 IP addresses, 24/7 support with Branded DNS is £45.00 p.c.m.
For those wanting unbranded DNS with 24/7 support it is £25.00 p.c.m.
To try now, use the demo or call us on 0800 7817818.
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How long does it take for my DNS changes to take effect?
All changes to DNS carried out with safeDNS occur in real time but due to propagation it may take several hours on the Internet. To find out more about propagation click the link.
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How will I be charged for safeDNS?
You can either pay for the service over a 12 month period, quarterly or annually. When purchasing the service by either quarterly or monthly instalments, it is for a 12 month period.
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