Have you ever imagined why is it so easy to access anything on the internet? How do computers identify each other online? While using the internet, computers use a combination of numbers known as Internet protocol address or IP.
However, every website has a unique IP address that helps us to reach the desired result. Although, recollecting thousands of these combinations is illogical and impossible.
This is where nameservers come into action. Due to NameServers, we can easily look for any websites using their domain names.
This article is a comprehensive guide to help you get a clear insight on what Nameservers are and what purpose they serve.
What are NameServers?
Before we dive in further, understanding the concept is crucial. Let us familiarise ourselves with the jargon. Nameservers are used to managing and routing traffic across the internet.
Whenever you search for a website on the internet, our browser tries to decode the website address and bring you the desired result. This entire process is governed by nameservers that store every information of all websites and help you connect with the precise website address.
Nameservers help your computers translate the domain names into a combination of numbers or IP addresses.
DNS records vs Nameservers: Are they the same?
This is a common dilemma. While many think them to be the same thing, however, they are quite different from one another. Although, both of them work in symmetry to reach a common goal,i.e., to provide you with a relevant result.
Domain name systems or DNS servers carry the information and identify and matches the website with their respective IP address. On the contrary, NameServers resemble a library that holds information about the websites.
Why do domain names have two assigned nameservers?
A website is typically assigned with two nameservers. Although, websites use the primary DNS server, having a second nameserver can help you to avoid data loss.
Businesses use two Nameservers as a backup resource as an offline website can severely affect business online.
Why are NameServers important?
The main purpose of Nameservers is to help us find websites on the internet. Whenever we type our query, the nameserver looks for relevant searches and routes us to the right website.
When the server sends a request for the query you were looking for, the results are presented on the screen. People are mostly impervious to the whole process, as it takes only a few milliseconds to carry out.
Accessing a website’s NameServer
Checking your website’s NameServer is very easy. If you wish to view your website information such as registration, registration, statues, etc of your domain, you can use a Whois website.
It is free and can be accessed publicly. You need to type your domain name and the results will appear almost instantaneously.
However, if you are trying to access domain information from the UK, you have to use the Nominet WHOIS website to view the data. Likewise, individuals looking for top-level domain names such as .com, .net, etc, can use ICAN WHOIS.
Registering a NameServer
It is always ideal to register your Nameserver. Moreover, it is mostly recommended especially if you have a reseller hosting space. It is a great way to resell bulk hosting spaces with personalized branding.
Unlike hosting services, private Nameservers are usually connected to single domains.
Some of the benefits of choosing private NameServer include:
- It offers rebranding opportunities since it can hide the reseller information.
- Owning a private nameserver helps clients to easily remember your nameserver as they resemble your domain name.
- Having a similar domain for your website and nameservers boosts security and offers a sense of legitimacy among your clients.
- A private nameserver provides easy migration between hosting providers. Moreover, it saves your clients from having to update their nameservers.
- Your nameserver should have a similar primary domain for the parked domains as well. Parked domains are referred to the additional domains that are hosted on your account. Moreover, businesses that require multiple web addresses often use private nameservers.
Is it possible to update the NameServer?
Yes, you can update your NameServer. Moreover, it is typically recommended for your website to function smoothly. If you want to update your NameServers, you have to log in and enter your domain management area.
Moreover, if your domain name is already registered with another hosting company, you can easily contact them and they will assist you to make changes around your NameServer.
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What happens after updating a NameServer?
After updating your Nameserver successfully, your domain suggests relevant servers. Moreover, the entire process takes around 8 to 48 hours to complete.
This period is known as DNS propagation and during this time servers everywhere in the world get notified about the upgrade of their servers.
However, during the upgrade, you might face some issues regarding email delivery. Hence, always make sure to upgrade your NameServer at night or when your business is inactive.
Why should you change your NameServer?
Changing your Nameserver is quite common. You may change it for a plethora of reasons. One of the major reasons is that the domain you purchased is registered under another hosting company, while you want to choose another company.
Other reasons include the migration of service providers due to speed, prices, etc. Although these changes can alter the hosting server for your website, they will not be visible to the customers or audience.
This is because the URL remains the same whenever a client tries to access your website.
How can NameServers influence SEO rankings?
Being a business owner online, attracting traffic to your page is crucial for growth. Likewise, SEO acts as a resource tool to highlight your pages and help your rank higher in Google page listings. But, does changing Nameserver affect my SEO?
However, many are skeptical as their SEO might be affected while changing Nameservers. Rest assured, changing your Nameservers is a quick and easy process, and hence do not influence your SEO rankings in any way.
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