DNS Branding / Vanity Name Servers / White-Label DNS

What is DNS Branding?

DNS Branding also called Vanity DNS is an option which allows our clients to use our DNS servers branded with their own domain names. For example ns1.your-domain.com and ns2.your-domain.com, instead of ns1.cloudns.net and ns2.cloudns.net.

ClouDNS manages and provides its services with multiple servers and IP addresses around the world. In order to provide the best quality to our customers, we are making load balancing through different server groups. The server names and the IP addresses are different for each group and this is the reason that in this article we will use the following server names and IP addresses as an example:

Note: In your configuration, you need to use the server IP addresses listed in the pop-up window when you click on "available name servers" on your Dashboard page - DNS hosting section, right next to "create zone" button.

How to set it up?

To configure DNS Branding, you just need to follow these simple steps:

1. You must add Child Name Servers (Glue Records) to your-domain.com from your domain's registrar control panel.

   If your domain name is registered in ClouDNS, please click the "Child name servers" button from the domain name management page. The Child name servers must be added in the following way:

   ns1.your-domain.com with IP 127.0.0.1
   ns2.your-domain.com with IP 127.0.0.2
   ns3.your-domain.com with IP 127.0.0.3
   ns4.your-domain.com with IP 127.0.0.4

   Note: You should use the IP addresses listed in the pop-up window when you click on "available name servers" on your Dashboard page - DNS hosting section, right next to "create zone" button.
   

2. Add the same A records as the Child Name Servers into the DNS zone your-domain.com.

   In this article we will use an example with Master DNS zone, created in our control panel, but there is no problem to make the same configuration with Slave (Secondary) DNS zone at your own server. If you still don't have a Master DNS zone with the name of your-domain.com, you can register it from the "Add new" button in the table "DNS zones" in your Dashboard. When you are ready, open the DNS zone by clicking on its name in the table "DNS zones". You will be forwarded to the DNS Records page of your-domain.com. Here you need to add the following A records:

   ns1.your-domain.com with IP 127.0.0.1
   ns2.your-domain.com with IP 127.0.0.2
   ns3.your-domain.com with IP 127.0.0.3
   ns4.your-domain.com with IP 127.0.0.4

   Note: You should use the IP addresses listed in the pop-up window when you click on "available name servers" on your Dashboard page - DNS hosting section, right next to "create zone" button. In this article we are using example IPs.

3. When you are ready with the A records, you need to change the NS records of the DNS Zone to the new server names.

   You can do this by editing the existing NS records or you can remove them and add new NS records with your new server names. When you complete this step, your NS records list should be like this:

   your-domain.com NS ns1.your-domain.com
   your-domain.com NS ns2.your-domain.com
   your-domain.com NS ns3.your-domain.com
   your-domain.com NS ns4.your-domain.com

4. Now your DNS branding configuration is ready to be applied at the domain registrar.

   You need to change the name servers from the panel of your domain provider to the new branded server names. If your domain name is registered through ClouDNS, go to your Dashboard and click on the domain name in the table "Domain names". From the button "Name servers", you will be forwarded to the name servers configuration page. Here you can change the domain name servers to your new branded server names:

   ns1.your-domain.com
   ns2.your-domain.com
   ns3.your-domain.com
   ns4.your-domain.com

   When you complete step 4, your DNS branding configuration will be completed and everything should be applied on all DNS resolvers from 24 to 48 hours.

5. (optional) You can change the Primary NS in your SOA record.

You can do this from the "SOA settings" button in your DNS zone. There is no problem if the Primary NS is not updated.
Once you have configured DNS branding with your-domain.com, you can use the branded server names for all DNS zones you are adding at ClouDNS. It is not required to make different DNS branding configuration for each domain name.

Benefits of DNS Branding

• Brand Consistency: DNS branding ensures that your brand's name is visible in all DNS-related interactions, reinforcing your brand identity across the Internet. It allows for consistent branding in email communications, website redirections, and other DNS-dependent activities, strengthening your brand recognition among customers.
• Professional Image: By including your domain name in the DNS server addresses, DNS branding helps project a more professional image for your business. It gives the impression that you have a robust and well-established online presence, developing confidence in your customers and potential partners.
• Trust and Security: DNS branding can help build trust with your audience by emphasizing your domain name within the DNS infrastructure. It assures users that the DNS servers they access are legitimate and associated with your brand, reducing the chances of falling victim to phishing attacks or other security risks.

FAQ

Question: Is DNS branding only beneficial for large businesses?

Answer: DNS branding is beneficial for businesses of all sizes. Whether you are a large corporation or a small business, Vanity DNS can enhance your brand visibility. It allows businesses to strengthen their online presence and create a consistent brand experience for their customers.

Question: Is DNS branding applicable only to websites?

Answer: No, DNS branding is not limited to websites. It applies to various DNS-dependent activities, such as email servers, FTP servers, and other online services that rely on DNS. That way, you maintain a consistent brand presence across these platforms.

Question: Does DNS branding affect the reliability of DNS hosting?

Answer: No, DNS branding does not impact the reliability of the DNS hosting service. It allows you to customize the DNS server addresses while still benefiting from the ClouDNS infrastructure, ensuring high availability and performance.

Question: Does DNS branding require technical expertise?

Answer: Yes, some technical knowledge may be helpful, yet ClouDNS offers a user-friendly interface in which you can easily navigate. Additionally, our 24/7 live chat support is available to guide you through the necessary steps to implement DNS branding for your domain.