The importance of reverse DNS

Reverse DNS - Nameshield
Image source : Jonbonsilver via Pixabay

Reverse DNS is often unknown to domain name managers, especially when the names are hosted by major hosting companies. Reverse DNS allows you to resolve from an IP address to an FQDN. This is the exact opposite of the classic use of DNS, which associates domain names to IP addresses. The reverse DNS allows to answer the question: I have an IP address, what is the FQDN related to it?

Reverse DNS operates by creating a reverse DNS zone in which DNS PTR records (for Pointer Record) will be configured.

  • Classic DNS: Record A: we know the name of a site and we want to obtain its IP address…
  • Reverse DNS PTR: we know an IP address and we want to retrieve the name of the site.

The resolution system is constructed in a similar way to the classic resolution. To perform DNS resolution, the IP address to be queried is configured in the reverse zone with the suffix .arpa and points to the required destination. The principle is the same for IP v4 and v6 addresses according to the following construction:

Ex: IPv4: 11.80.92.81.in-addr.arpa. IN PTR capp.perf1.com.

Ex: IPv6: 0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.1.0.0.0.0.0.8.c.0.0.1.0.a.2.ip6.arpa. 4080 IN PTR capp.perf1.com.

This construction enables to operate a classic DNS resolution on a domain name with a “.arpa” extension.

Why is this so important?

Reverse DNS is mainly used to track the origin of a website visitor, the origin of an e-mail message, etc. It is usually not as critical as the classic DNS, visitors will reach the website even without the presence of reverse DNS for the IP of the web server or the IP of the visitor.

However, Reverse DNS is important for one particular application: the e-mail system.

Many mail servers on the Internet are configured to reject incoming mail from any IP address that does not have reverse DNS. For those who manage their own mail server, reverse DNS must exist for the IP address from which the outgoing e-mail is sent.

Regardless of the address to which the reverse DNS record of the IP address points, a reverse DNS record is expected. In case of hosting several domains on a single mail server, it is enough to configure the reverse DNS to point to the domain name considered as the main one (mail servers checking the reverse DNS recognize that it is normal to host many domains on a single IP address and that it would be impossible to list all these domains in the reverse DNS for IP). We recommend that you check the possibility of setting up reverse DNS with your DNS hosting solution.

New document available on Nameshield’s website: ” 5 minutes to understand – Register a domain name “

5 minutes to understand - Domain names - Nameshield

The domain name is the first link between the web user and your website. It is thanks to the domain name that you are found on the Internet, that you are visible, that your identity is displayed and that you develop your business on the net. It is a digital asset of your business.

The more meaningful this name is, the more likely it is to position you effectively on the web, and to best represent your identity.

Discover the right questions to ask yourself before registering a domain name and the registration rules in this new “5 minutes to understand” document to download on the Nameshield’s website.

DOWNLOAD

Modification of registration conditions in .DZ – Register the equivalent in .TM.DZ to keep control!

Modification of registration conditions in .DZ
Image source : SofiLayla via Pixabay

The Algerian registry has changed its registration conditions quite restrictively. These changes also affect already registered domain names:

  • The applicant must now be “an entity established in Algeria, having legal representation in Algeria”.
  • This means that holders or applicants holding only an Algerian brand and who cannot justify a local presence in Algeria will have to move towards the registration of a .TM.DZ domain name.
  • Please note, registering a .TM.DZ domain name opens an identical registration in .DZ.

Another important element relating to .DZ already registered:

  • Changes are no longer possible on these names, except for holders who are a local entity. The only “operation allowed” is renewal.

Our advice:

Since the end of 2018, Nameshield has been encouraging you to register your .TM.DZ domain names, we of course maintain this advice and strongly encourage you to quickly register the equivalent of your .DZ in .TM.DZ. This will maintain a high level of reactivity, especially in case of emergency modifications.

New resources available on the Nameshield’s website: The “5 minutes to understand” documents

5 minutes to understand - Domain names - Nameshield

Nameshield offers you new resources that will be regularly published and available for download on the Nameshield’s website: the “5 minutes to understand” documents.

Quick and easy to read documents to understand the basics of domain names in just a few minutes.

Discover now the first document “5 minutes to understand – The reading a domain name“:

DOWNLOAD

Participate in the .eu Web Awards!

.eu Web Awards
Source: .eu Web Awards’ website

The .eu Web Awards is an online competition, launched in 2014 by EURID, the .eu registry, which rewards the best websites in the .eu, .ею or .ευ extensions, divided into 5 categories:

  • Leaders
  • Rising stars
  • Laurels
  • House of .eu
  • Better world

It is possible to apply until 05 August 2020 and the participation is free of charge: https://webawards.eurid.eu/

Once your candidature has been validated, it’s up to the public to vote! The 3 websites under each category that have won the most votes will then become finalists.

The big winners will be revealed at the Gala held in Brussels on 18 November 2020, where the 15 finalists will be invited.

The 5 winners will win the following prizes:

  • a two-month billboard advertising campaign in Brussels airport
  • a trophy, a customised video for communication support
  • the .eu Web Awards icon to use on their websites and social networks.

Do you own a website in .eu, .ею or .ευ? This contest can be a nice opportunity to liven up your social networks, generate additional traffic and win the prizes mentioned above.

Interested? Visit https://webawards.eurid.eu/ for more information.