Getting Started with ClouDNS

Welcome to ClouDNS! We strive to make DNS hosting simple and easy to use for everyonе. If you've decided to use our services, you're in the right place. This guide will walk you through the basics of setting up your DNS and managing your domain with ClouDNS, covering everything from DNS hosting, domain registration, SSL certificates, monitoring services, and Google Workspace.

DNS Hosting

ClouDNS offers a range of hosting plans tailored to different needs, including Free DNS, Premium DNS, DDoS Protected DNS, and GeoDNS. Each plan provides access to different features, such as Dynamic DNS, Anycast DNS, DNSSEC, Secondary DNS, Reverse DNS, and more, allowing you to choose the solution that best fits your domain’s requirements.

DNS Zone

A DNS zone is essentially a container where all the DNS records for your domain are stored. These records control how your domain behaves and where it directs traffic. To start, you'll need to create a DNS zone for your domain.

From your Dashboard, go to the "DNS Hosting" section and click the "Create zone" button. Choose "Master zone," and ensure that the option to create a zone with NS records is selected (this is the default). This option will configure your domain with the appropriate name server (NS) records. NS records are automatically created when you set up a DNS zone. They specify the authoritative name servers for your domain.

DNS Records

At ClouDNS, we support various DNS records that can be configured in your DNS zone. Here are some essential DNS records you can set up:

• A: Maps a domain to an IPv4 address.
• AAAA: Maps a domain to an IPv6 address.
• CNAME: Alias for another domain.
• MX: Defines mail exchange servers for your domain.
• TXT: Text records for verification, SPF, and other purposes.
• SOA: Start of Authority for DNS zone management.
• PTR: Reverse DNS lookup.
• SRV: Service records for specifying services like VoIP or IM servers.

This list covers the most commonly used DNS records, but ClouDNS supports additional record types to meet more specialized needs.

To create a DNS record simply select Add new record in the DNS management section and fill in the required details. If you’re not sure which record type to use and create, feel free to check our dedicated DNS records knowledge base.

Furthermore, If you already have existing records or a file with the DNS records, you can take advantage of our Zone Import Functions, which we fully support. After creating your DNS zone, use the Zone Import option located in the upper section of the zone management page.

You have two options:

1. Import Zone File: Upload a zone file from your computer (supported formats: BIND, TinyDNS).
2. Import via Transfer: Transfer DNS records by entering the IP address of your Master server, ensuring AXFR transfers are allowed.

For bulk imports, use our Bulk Import Script available here: ClouDNS Bulk Zone Import Script

How to Delegate a Domain

Once your Master DNS zone and NS records are configured, you need to delegate your domain to ClouDNS. Here’s how:

1. Domain Registrar: Log into your domain registrar (where you purchased your domain).
2. Point Name Servers: Update the name servers to the ClouDNS name servers provided on your Dashboard (You can find your "available name servers" on your Dashboard page - DNS hosting section, right next to "create zone" button).

Example Name Servers:

Name server 1: pns31.cloudns.net
Name server 2: pns32.cloudns.net
Name server 3: pns33.cloudns.net
Name server 4: pns34.cloudns.net

Domain Names

At ClouDNS, you have the option to buy or transfer domain names. We offer a broad range of more than 1200 domain extensions, from common ones like .com to country-specific (ccTLDs) ones. This means you can manage both your domain registration and DNS hosting in one place. 

Registration

Whether starting a new business, launching a website, or securing your online presence, domain registration is a crucial first step. To registrate domain name at ClouDNS follow these steps:

1. Login/Create an Account: If you don’t have an account, sign up and log in.
2. Register a Domain:
• From your Dashboard, click on Register new.
• Enter the domain name and choose a TLD from the dropdown.
• Click Check to see if the domain is available.
• Select your desired domain and proceed through the steps to enter registrant information, choose a payment method, and complete the transaction.
3. Bulk Domain Registration is also available for those looking to register multiple domains at once.

Transfer

If you already own a domain that’s registered with another provider, you can easily transfer it to ClouDNS. Here's the process:

1. Login/Create an Account. If you don’t have an account, sign up and log in.
2. Initiate a transfer from the Dashboard, entering the domain and the Transfer Auth Code obtained from your current registrar.
3. Complete the transfer process, including payment and confirmation.

Note: ICANN regulations prohibit the transfer of domains within 60 days of registration or previous transfer.

SSL Certificates

SSL certificates are essential for securing communication between your website and its visitors. They encrypt sensitive data, such as login credentials or payment information, ensuring it can't be intercepted by malicious actors. It boosts website credibility and provides security indicators like a padlock icon or "https://" in the URL.

At ClouDNS, we offer three main types of SSL certificates to meet different needs:

1. POSITIVE SSL
2. POSITIVE SSL WILDCARD
3. EV SSL

SSL certificates can be purchased even if your domain is hosted with another provider. The process of purchasing and setting up an SSL certificate is as follow:

1. Select and Buy: Choose from one of our SSL certificate options.
2. Generate CSR Code: Generate your CSR (Certificate Signing Request) and submit it through your Dashboard.
3. Verification: Await authentication from Sectigo, after which your SSL certificate will be issued.
4. Installation:Retrieve your certificate and install it on your web server. Our support team is available for assistance.

Monitoring service

ClouDNS provides free and premium monitoring services to track your infrastructure’s availability and performance. With real-time alerts, you can quickly address any issues, ensuring minimal downtime. Our monitoring checks are easy to configure and adaptable to your specific needs.

We offer several types of monitoring: DNS monitoring, TCP monitoring, UDP monitoring, ICMP Ping monitoring, SMTP monitoring, Streaming monitoring, HTTP/HTTPS monitoring, Heartbeat monitoring, SSL/TLS monitoring and Firewall monitoring.

To set up a monitoring check:

1. Log into your account and go to the Monitoring section.
2. Click Add new and select the type of check you want to create.
3. Fill in the required details, and click “Create” to complete the setup.

Google Workspace

Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) is a comprehensive productivity suite that includes tools like Gmail, Google Docs, and Drive. ClouDNS offers Google Workspace subscriptions, making it easy for you to integrate Google’s cloud services with your domain.

To order and configure Google Workspace:

1. Make an Order: Choose from four subscription options on our Google Workspace page.
2. Setup Admin: Once the order is complete, verify and configure the admin email from the Dashboard.
3. Check your Email: Complete the setup process via a verification email from Google.

If you need assistance with any of the steps mentioned above, our support team is available to help. You can reach us through our ticket system, or, for immediate, expert guidance, connect with our technical 24/7 live chat support. We are always here to help!