ALIAS record (ANAME record) is a type of DNS record build in the ClouDNS, which works in a similar way as the CNAME record. ALIAS record is used in resolving a CNAME record at the apex (root) of a domain. This process is also known as CNAME flattening.
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.
The ALIAS record has the following look in your ClouDNS Control Panel:
| Host: | Type: | Points to: | TTL |
| example.net | ALIAS | example.com | 1 Hour |
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.
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.
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
You can check the ALIAS record manually for a precise hostname by using one of the following commands:
In case you are a Windows user, you can simply open the Command Prompt and use the Nslookup command. Here is an example:
$ nslookup domain.net
If you are a Linux/macOS user, you can simply open the Terminal application and use the DIG command. Here is an illustration:
$ dig domain.net
These commands will show you the corresponding A or/and AAAA records for the hostname.
If you prefer to use an online tool, you can perform the lookup with the ClouDNS Free DNS tool.
While ALIAS records offer several advantages, it's important to understand their limitations to ensure they are used effectively. Here are some key limitations to consider:
The ALIAS record can be combined with all the types of DNS records except CNAME and Web Redirect.
Here is an example configuration for your web site and domain name in the combination with other records:
| Host: | Type: | Points to: | TTL |
| example.net | NS | dns1.cloudns.net | 1 Hour |
| example.net | NS | dns2.cloudns.net | 1 Hour |
| example.net | NS | dns3.cloudns.net | 1 Hour |
| example.net | NS | dns4.cloudns.net | 1 Hour |
| example.net | ALIAS | cdn.example.com | 1 Hour |
| example.net | A | 192.168.0.1 | 1 Hour |
| example.net | AAAA | fe80::736b:828f:f290:d424 | 1 Hour |
| example.net | MX | mail.example.net | 1 Hour |
| www.example.net | ALIAS | example.net | 1 Hour |
| mail.example.net | A | 192.168.0.2 | 1 Hour |
As you can see from the example:
Both the ALIAS record and CNAME record allow you to point one hostname to another. However, they are not the same, and there are several important dissimilarities that you should be aware of.
ClouDNS provides full support for ALIAS 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.
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.
Question: Can an ALIAS record be used for an email address?
Answer: No, ALIAS records cannot be used for email addresses. You can use an MX record to associate an email address with a hostname.