Overview
Canonical name (CNAME) records point one hostname to another host or fully qualified domain name (FQDN). They are also referred to as alias records as they allow you to map other records to your main domain name. When a nameserver performs a lookup and finds a domain has a CNAME record, it replaces the domain name and performs a new search based on the canonical name (the target of the CNAME). In this sense, CNAME records complete two queries before reaching a final resolution.
Prerequisites
- A domain is already added to your Constellix account
- You have all the necessary IP addresses or hostnames for your domain.
Note: Visit our tutorials on creating records if you need help with record creation. If you need help adding a domain, we have a guide that walks you through the process.
Common Use Cases for CNAME Records
CNAME records are useful when you have multiple records pointing to the same location (usually a web server at the root of a domain). This way, if the location changes, you would only need to change the endpoint in the record you are pointing your CNAME records to.
Another use case for CNAME records is to use them to point a hostname to an external domain. For example, CNAMEs could be configured to point a group of company websites to a parent site or to have one domain registered in different countries, but mapping to the same location.
Note: Per RFC1035, CNAME records must be unique and cannot share the same FQDN/hostname with any other record for a managed domain.
How to Create a CNAME Record in Constellix
1: Log in to the Constellix
In the Constellix dashboard, select your domain from the Recently Updated Domains list or search for the domain in the top-left search bar.
Note: Options available may vary depending on the current configurations set for your domain.
2. Expand CNAME Record Options
After selecting the domain that needs the CNAME record, you will be taken to the Records page. Scroll to the CNAME Record section. If you have not configured any CNAME records for this domain yet, click the green + icon beside CNAME record to expand options, otherwise skip to step 3.
3. Add a CNAME Record
After selecting the appropriate domain, you will be taken to the Records page. Scroll down to the CNAME Record section and click the green + icon to add a CNAME record.
4. Enter CNAME Record Values and Save
You should now see the Add CNAME Record pop-up window. Fill out the following values:
A. Name: The hostname for the record.
Note: CNAMEs cannot be set at the root (@) of a domain, we developed ANAME Records to fill this need.
B. TTL: Time to live (measured in seconds) determines how long a record is cached in resolvers. Visit our What is TTL resource for more information and best practices for TTLs.
Note: For mission-critical records or those that require frequent updates, we recommend setting TTL values between 30 and 300 seconds. For failover configurations, 30 seconds is ideal for preventing end-user disruptions.
C. Record Mode: This mode enables you to configure Failover, Record Pools, or Round Robin with Failover. Visit our Records Mode page for more details on these settings.
D. Geo Proximity: You can select a Geo Proximity rule to apply to a CNAME record.
E. IP Filter: This feature lets you configure an IP Filter for a CNAME record.
F. Disable Record: This option allows you to remove records from our nameservers without removing the record configuration in the Constellix DNS control panel. See our Disabling a Record tutorial for more information.
G. Host: Enter the fully qualified domain name you want the CNAME record to point to.
H. Notes: Add a note with keywords so you can search for specific records later (optional, but recommended).
I. Save: If you need to add an additional CNAME record, tap the green Save and Continue button, otherwise, click on Save and Close.
Note: In order for your CNAME record to take effect, you must review and apply changes.
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