What is a Domain Name System (DNS)? #
DNS stands for Domain Name System.
DNS is like the phone book of the internet, where it translates the domain name (e.g. yourdomain.com) into the numerical IP address. Without DNS, you’d have to remember strings of numbers instead of names, so having DNS means translating human-friendly domain names into the language that a computer uses and understands.
Another interesting function of DNS is the fact that it also provides a list of mail servers that accept emails for each domain name.
In other words, each domain name in DNS will nominate a set of name servers to be the dominant or main occupiers of its DNS records. As a result, all other name servers will be directed or assigned to this platform when looking for information about the domain name.
Why DNS Matters, and How Intrawit Makes It Work for You #
Your website, email, subdomains, and many services all rely on DNS. If DNS is misconfigured, your site might not load, or your emails might not be delivered, even if everything else is working.
This means that DNS is fundamental, which is why, for us, as a Domain Registrar and Web Hosting Provider, managing this, including the ability to change nameservers to point to our system, matters.
We provide and use our own DNS (Domain Name System) resolver for our services, allowing you to manage your domain’s DNS settings and point them to intrawit’s nameservers for your domain, web hosting and email.
An Overview of How DNS Works #
1. First, type yourdomain.com into your web browser.
2. Next, your device asks a DNS resolver to find the right IP address for that domain.
- This resolver is often provided by your Internet Service Provider (like Vodacom or Telkom) or by a public service (like Google DNS 8.8.8.8 or Cloudflare 1.1.1.1).
3. Then, the resolver checks its memory (cache) to see if it already knows where that domain points.
- If it does, it quickly returns the saved result.
4. If not, the resolver starts searching by contacting the authoritative name servers for your domain.
5. The authoritative name server looks inside your domain’s DNS zone, which is basically a record book containing all your DNS settings (like A, MX, CNAME, and TXT records).
6. Once it finds the right record, it sends it back to the resolver.
7. The resolver then stores (caches) that answer for the time period set by your TTL or Time To Live so that it doesn’t have to look it up again next time.
8. Finally, your device uses that IP address to connect to the hosting server and load your website.
IMPORTANT: Because of caching, changes to DNS mean that DNS propagation can take time globally, which can be between 2 to 48 hours.
Common DNS Record Types and Their Uses #
Understanding DNS means reducing confusion involving the DNS and which records (a fundamental part of DNS, which are instructions that tell the internet where to find your website, email, and other online services) are the right ones for you, so we’ve put together a guide to help you understand DNS record types in detail and how they work.
Here’s a quick overview of the common ones:
| Record | Purpose | Common Use Case |
| A | Domain → IPv4 address | Point the domain to the hosting server |
| *AAAA | Domain → IPv6 address | For IPv6-capable servers |
| CNAME | Alias to another domain | www.domain.com → domain.com |
| MX | Mail servers for the domain | Direct email traffic |
| TXT | Text data, verification | SPF, DKIM, DMARC, domain proofs |
| SPF (TXT) | Identify which mail servers are allowed to send email on behalf of your domain. | Protect against spam and unauthorised sending |
Important DNS for Hosting and Email #
Website Hosting DNS #
The A or CNAME record points your domain to the server’s IP.
Email DNS #
MX records define which servers receive your email; TXT records (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) authenticate your messages and protect deliverability, making these especially critical for email functionality.
IMPORTANT: When DNS records are missing, misconfigured or conflicting, email or website issues often follow.
DNS Propagation and Timing #
Understanding DNS means knowing that changes to DNS don’t take effect everywhere instantly. Because of caching at ISP/Host resolvers, some users may still see the old record for up to 2 to 48 hours. Be patient and avoid making repeated live updates too quickly.
You can use free DNS Propagation tools like DNSChecker.org, WhatsMyDNS.net, and MXToolbox DNS Lookup to monitor the progress of updates.
Best Practices and Common Pitfalls #
- Never delete records unless you’re certain they’re unused.
- Avoid overlapping or duplicating record types (e.g. two MX records with mismatched targets).
- Use a moderate TTL (e.g. 3600 seconds) when testing changes; later increase to reduce query load.
- Clean outdated records (old services no longer in use).
- After changes, wait for propagation before checking results.
When to Contact Intrawit Support #
If, after verifying your DNS records and waiting for propagation, your website or email still fails:
- Provide your domain name and current DNS records.
- Describe the issue (email failure, website not loading, with screenshots, where possible).
- Note any recent DNS changes you made.
