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What is a CNAME record?
A CNAME record, or Canonical Name record, is a type of DNS (Domain Name System) record used to alias one domain name to another. In simpler terms, a C-NAME record allows you to point a domain or subdomain to another domain’s address (hostname).
The CName is commonly used instead of an A record, which is a type of DNS record that shows the IP address of a domain. CNAME records must point to a domain and not an IP address. A domain with a C-NAME record can either point to another domain with a C-NAME record or to a domain with an A record.
Here’s how it works:
Let’s say you have two domains: “example.com” and “subdomain.example.com”. If you want “subdomain.example.com” to point to the same location as “example.com”, you can create a C-NAME record for “subdomain.example.com” that points to “example.com”.
The structure of a CNAME record typically looks like this:
- Name: The domain or subdomain you want to alias (e.g., “subdomain.example.com”).
- Type: CNAME
- Value: The domain name to which you want the alias to point (e.g., “example.com”).
When a DNS resolver encounters a C-NAME record while trying to resolve a domain name, it replaces the original domain name with the canonical domain name (the target domain name specified in the C-NAME record) and continues the DNS lookup process.
Steps for adding CNAME in cPanel
Log in to your hosting account with your particular provider.
Locate the “Domains” Section: Once logged in, navigate to the “Domains” section. The exact location may vary depending on your cPanel theme and configuration, but you should find it easily from the main dashboard.
Access the “Advanced Zone Editor” or “Zone Editor”: Look for an option related to DNS management. In many cPanel installations, you’ll find an option called “Advanced Zone Editor” or “Zone Editor”. Click on it to proceed.
Select the Domain: select a domain that you want to add the cname. In the domain name straight choose the record type as CNAME Record.
Add a New CNAME Record:
After choosing the Record type one pop will appears in that give the Name as the domain name Which you want to add the CNAME record and give the actual CNAME record in the CNAME space. At last click Add A C-NAME Record
Verify the C-NAME Record: Once you’ve added the Canonical NAME record, it may take some time for the changes to propagate across the internet. You can use online DNS lookup tools to verify that the CNAME record has been correctly configured.
That’s it! You’ve successfully created a Canonical NAME record in cPanel. Remember that DNS changes can take time to propagate, so be patient if you don’t see the changes reflected immediately.
Features of CNAME record
Alias Creation: Canonical NAME records allow you to create aliases for domain names. This means you can point one domain or subdomain to another domain’s hostname.
Easy Configuration: Setting up Canonical NAME records is straightforward and can typically be done through a domain registrar’s control panel or DNS management interface provided by hosting providers.
DNS Lookup Optimization: Canonical NAME records can help optimize DNS lookups by reducing the number of A (address) record queries required to resolve domain names. This is especially useful when managing large numbers of subdomains pointing to the same destination.
Simplified DNS Management: Canonical NAME records simplify DNS management by allowing you to point multiple domain names to the same location without needing to update each domain individually.
Canonical NAME records, also known as CNAME records, enable the pointing of one domain or subdomain to the hostname of another domain. They offer an easy configuration process, typically accessible through a domain registrar’s control panel or the DNS management interface provided by hosting providers. By utilizing CNAME records, DNS lookup optimization can be achieved as they reduce the number of A (address) record queries required to resolve domain names. This optimization is particularly beneficial when managing a large number of subdomains that point to the same destination. Additionally, CNAME records simplify DNS management by allowing multiple domain names to be directed to the same location without the need for individual updates to each domain.