DNS Configuration with Web Host Manager

You may have heard that DNS is a critical component for resolving domain names' IP addresses. DNS Zone Manager is a feature of cPanel/WHM that allows you to configure DNS and related records from the WHM interface. This post will explain how to utilize the DNS Zone Manager in WHM.

Follow these steps to use your own domain name for websites your server hosts.

• How-to configure DNS in WHM
• How-to configure custom Name Servers in WHM
• DNS Propagation
• Summary

How-to configure DNS in WHM

1. Sign in to the WHM control panel at https://your-domain.com:2087 or https://IP-address: 2087 or https://server-hostname: 2087.
   
2. Under the DNS Functions, select DNS Zone Manager.
   
3. On the interface of DNS Zone Manager, you will find a list of hosted domain names for which you can manage the DNS records. You will also have access to shortcuts for adding certain entries (A, CNAME, MX, and DNSSEC).
   
4. To manage the DNS records for a specific domain, click Manage.
   

Edit Existing DNS

1. In the DNS Zone Manager, select a specific domain you want to configure, then click Manage.
   
2. To edit available DNS records, select a particular DNS record, then click Edit, then Save once done.
   

Add New DNS Record

1. In the DNS Zone Manager, select a specific domain you want to configure, then click Manage.
   
2. Click + Add Record at the top right corner
   
3. Select the Record Type, enter the record values, then click on Save Record
   

How-to configure custom Name Servers in WHM

The domains on your system must have an authoritative DNS server. You can configure one yourself on your cPanel server, or use one offered by a third party. A private nameserver enables hosting companies to provide their clients with bespoke addresses, such as ns1.mycompany.com.

Another advantage is that you own the domain. If you migrate to a different server hosting platform, your domain follows you, and your clients do not need to make any setup changes.

cPanel WHM simplifies the configuration of a private domain server. The initial step is to check that the nameserver is active in the Nameserver Selection interface.

1. Sign in to the WHM control panel at https://your-domain.com:2087 or https://IP-address: 2087 or https://server-hostname: 2087.
   
2. Under the Server Configuration, click Basic WebHost Manager Setup.
   
3. Scroll down until you see the Nameservers. Here, click Configure Address Records to configure different IP addresses for each nameserver. Follow the instructions below for each IP address you want to set. If not, change the URLs in the boxes to match the ones you made for the nameservers.
   

DNS Propagation

DNS Changes can take up to 3 - 24 hours to propagate globally, but if you are not able to see any changes on your DNS information, it could be due to:

• Inconsistent information between the database and the register.
• Invalid or incorrect name server.
• Inconsistent DS record key or certificate.

To resolve the issue, you may:

• Verify that the name server is accurate.
• If this situation ever arises, please contact our domains team so they may investigate further and ensure everything is configured correctly on our end.

Summary

Configuring DNS settings through Web Host Manager (WHM) is a streamlined process facilitated by the DNS Zone Manager. This guide provides comprehensive steps for adding, editing, and managing DNS records, such as A, CNAME, MX, and DNSSEC, essential for domain management. Access WHM using your domain or IP, navigate to 'DNS Functions', and select 'DNS Zone Manager' to adjust settings per your needs. The tutorial also elaborates on establishing custom nameservers and troubleshooting DNS propagation delays, typically resolving within 24 hours.