FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Where are all of the DNS records kept?

This is slightly more complicated, but for the purpose of this overview, we'll try to keep it as general as possible. There are 2 basic places DNS records reside:

International Root name servers (13 exist throughout the world)
Your domain register, where your current DNS settings reside.

When you register/purchase your domain name on a particular "registers name server", your DNS settings are kept on their server, and in most cases point your domain to the Name Server of your hosting provider. This Name Server is where the IP number (currently associated with your domain name) resides.

The entire hierarchy is somewhat involved, but in short, the world Root Name Servers can be considered the master listing of all DNS records, and there are currently 13 of them in the world. These name servers are where all the master DNS records are kept. The DNS server of your ISP will typically query the Root Name Servers once every 24-hours. This is how they update all of their DNS tables, which in turn, resolve www requests to the IP number of the server they reside on.

Related Topics:
The DNS propagation process is not limited to ISP's!
What to expect during this 2 to 4 day propagation period
Working on your account during the DNS propagation period
What is DNS?
Accessing your domain manager
Changing your Name Server settings, so your domain points to your Server Pro account
Side effects that can be expected during the propagation time frame
Where do the Root Name Servers receive their information from?
The 3 to 4 day propagation period - Understanding what happens during this time frame
Setting up your own Name Server (for advanced webmasters)
Understanding DNS and Name servers
DNS Cache and your ISP
Checking your DNS update status (outside of your ISP)