What Is DNS Tracking?
DNS (Domain Name System) tracking is the process of obtaining detailed information about a domain’s DNS records, which includes the IP address, mail server, and other DNS configurations. By tracking DNS, you can ensure that your domain is properly configured and troubleshoot any potential issues that may arise.
Why Use DNS Tracking?
DNS tracking is crucial for diagnosing network problems, verifying DNS configurations, and ensuring that your domain is accessible and functioning correctly. It helps in identifying issues such as incorrect DNS entries, propagation delays, or unauthorized changes to DNS settings.
Accessing Network Tools In cPanel
To begin tracking DNS, you need to access the Network Tools in cPanel. Follow the steps below to navigate to the relevant section in cPanel:
Steps:
- Login To cPanel
- Home > Advanced > Network Tools
Using The Track DNS Tool
Once you’ve accessed the Network Tools, you can use the Track DNS tool to gather information about your domain. Here’s how you can do it:
Steps:
- Enter Your Domain Name in the DNS Lookup field
- Click On The Lookup Button
- Review the DNS records displayed
The DNS records that appear will include the IP address, A record, MX record, and other relevant information. You can use this data to verify that your DNS is set up correctly.
Understanding The Results
After performing a DNS lookup, you’ll be presented with several pieces of information. Here’s a breakdown of what each record type means:
A Record
This points your domain to an IP address, essentially directing where the domain should lead.
MX Record
This specifies the mail servers responsible for receiving email on behalf of your domain.
CNAME Record
Allows you to alias one name to another. It’s often used to point subdomains to the main domain.
TXT Record
Provides text information to sources outside your domain. It's often used for SPF (Sender Policy Framework) or verifying domain ownership.
Tracing The Route
In addition to looking up DNS records, you can trace the route from your server to your domain to identify where potential issues may be occurring. Follow these steps:
Steps:
- Navigate to Network Tools in cPanel
- Click On The Trace Route Tab
- Enter Your Domain Name and Click Trace
The trace route will display each hop your request takes from your server to the destination, helping you identify any bottlenecks or issues in the network path.
Common Issues And Solutions
During DNS tracking, you may encounter common issues. Here’s how to resolve them:
Issue: DNS Lookup Fails
Solution: Ensure that the domain name is correctly entered and that DNS propagation is complete.
Issue: Incorrect DNS Records
Solution: Verify and update your DNS settings in cPanel to reflect the correct IP address and mail servers.
Verifying DNS Changes
After making changes to your DNS, it’s essential to verify that the changes have been correctly propagated. Use the DNS lookup tool to confirm that the new records are in place and functioning as expected.
By following this guide, you should now have a clear understanding of how to track DNS using the Network Tools in cPanel. Proper DNS configuration is key to ensuring that your website and email services are functioning optimally. Regularly checking and verifying your DNS settings can prevent potential issues and ensure smooth operations for your domain.
