01.02.06
DNS Simplified
What is DNS?
DNS is an acronym for Domain Name System ( some also call it Domain Name Server). This system is used to associate a domain name (e.g. www.velnetweb.co.uk) with one or more IP addresses. DNS are easier to remember than the IP (Internet Protocol) address of a domain name or even a computer on the internet. An IP address works like a telephone number to a computer. Every computer has its own unique IP but just like a phone number, IP addresses can sometimes be difficult to remember. So, can you imagine how nice it will be just to be able to call your friends just by dialling/typing their names from your phone? To just dial Velnet support instead of 08707 440 151 would have been a trip of the century for many. The DNS works in a similar fashion. Rather than having to remember, 67.15.70.8 for this domain you only have to remember www.velnetweb.com.
How It Works
When a customer buys a domain name from VELNET, two IP addresses are generally assigned to the domain name. These IP addresses are also called nameservers and it indicates the server on which this domain name shall reside. One of this IP addresses will be the Primary and the other, the Secondary Nameserver. Before this domain can be fully active on the Internet, it will need about 48 hours maximum to completely propagate. During this period all services attached to this domain name may not function well. VELNET sometimes put a placeholder on some of its servers but sometimes not. When there is no placeholder on the server, a customer will get a 404 error message if he tries to check his site in a browser before he uploads his site. In order to be able to use Velnet hosting service, i.e. upload your web content to the VELNET Server, or receive/send email, or have your website site displayed in browsers, you will need to point your domain DNS at one of our servers e.g. modify your Primary and Secondary Nameservers to: ns1.velnet.net and ns2.velnet.net respectively.
How do I manage/update my Nameservers?
This question is best answered by your domain name registrar so should this need arise it is best you get in touch with them.
In VELNET the DNS of all Nominet registered domain name are modified for customers by assigned staff. while the generic top level domain names like .com/ .net/ .info etc. can be configured via http://www3.velnetweb.co.uk/cgi-bin/manage.cgi.
Remember that when all fail contact the support staff of your registrar you can do this via http://www3.velnetweb.co.uk/cgi-bin/manage.cgi or through the support link from your user login http://www.velnetweb.co.uk/velnet/
How do I know if my DNS is propagating?
This can be done in various ways but here are two simplest ways.
1) Do a WHOIS Search . A WHOIS Search Engine will give you information about every domain name that is registered. This engine is available on our site www.velnetweb.co.uk.
2)Simply type your domain name into your web browser. If you see the VELNET Placeholder page or the simple Forbidden page, then your domain name has propagated to our Server.