ALIAS record is a type of DNS record build in the ClouDNS, which works in a similar way as the CNAME record. The ALIAS record allows you to add multiple hostnames for the same subdomain and can be used for the root domain too. This new build in our system type of DNS record gives you a chance to make a Round-Robin DNS between multiple ALIAS and A/ AAAA records. All added ALIAS records are updated by our system in a short period of time and when you make a DNS request at the hostname with such record, you will receive an answer with a pure A or/and AAAA records. This type of DNS record can be added and managed from our control panel or via the HTTP API.
Please bear in mind, it’s not recommended to point an ALIAS record to a GeoDNS record/CDN service, as it may not function as intended.
Why do you need an ALIAS record?
The most significant benefit of the ALIAS record is that you can add it to the root domain. As you’ll recall, CNAME records can’t be added for the root domain. And here is where the ALIAS comes in. It is an analog of the CNAME record so to say. It works in a similar way, but you can use it for the root domain as well.
Another con of the CNAME is its impossibility to coexist with any other data for the same host. But there isn’t such obstacle for the ALIAS. You can combine the ALIAS records with all the types of DNS records except CNAME and Web Redirect. For that reason, you could use the ALIAS record to achieve a Round-Robin setup without a problem.
How to create a DNS ALIAS record?
Log in your ClouDNS account, enter your DNS zone management page, and click on the Add new record button. For Type choose ALIAS and type as follow:
Type: ALIAS
TTL: 1 Hour
Host:
Points to: example.com
How to start managing ALIAS records for your domain name?
- Open free account from here — free forever
- Verify your e-mail address
- Log into your control panel
- Create new Master DNS from the [add new] button — read more here
- Add the ALIAS records you need as it is described in this article
Combination of ALIAS record and other records
The ALIAS record can be combined with all the types of DNS records except CNAME and Web Redirect.
Support of ALIAS records
ClouDNS provides full support for ALIS records for all our DNS services, including the listed below. Just write to our technical support, if you need any assistance with your ALIAS records configuration. Our Technical Support team is online for you 24/7 via live chat and tickets.
FAQ
Question: Can I use the ALIAS record for the root of my domain?
Answer: Yes, you can. There is no question about it.
Question: Can ALIAS records work in Round-Robin?
Answer: Yes, ALIAS records can work in Round-Robin.
Question: Can I use ALIAS to point my domain to an URL link, like http://www.mydomain.com/contacts/ for example?
Answer: No, ALIAS records can only point hostnames to other hostnames.
Originally published at https://www.cloudns.net.
