Canonical Name (CNAME)

What is it?

What is it?

A Canonical Name (CNAME) record is a Domain Name System (DNS) record that maps an alias name to a valid or canonical domain name. This is particularly useful for managing subdomains, where multiple domain names might point to the same IP address or services like email platforms, websites, and more, allowing for easier management and changes without affecting the underlying service.

Key points to remember

Key points to remember

  • Alias Management: CNAME records are used to alias one domain name to another, making it easier to manage and update services linked to a domain.

  • Email and Web Services: Commonly used in configuring email services and websites, allowing for seamless integration and management of various online services.


  • Not for Root Domains: CNAME records cannot be used for root domains because they would override all other DNS records for the domain, including NS and MX records.


  • Propagation Delay: Changes to CNAME records, like all DNS changes, can take time to propagate throughout the internet due to DNS caching.


  • Flexibility in Hosting: CNAME records provide flexibility in hosting services, enabling businesses to switch between hosting providers or platforms without significant disruptions.

Example of Use

Example of Use

  1. Email Service Configuration: A company uses a CNAME record to point its email domain (mail.company.com) to an external email service provider, simplifying email service management.


  2. Website Redirection: A business sets up a CNAME record to redirect traffic from a subdomain (blog.company.com) to an external blogging platform, maintaining brand consistency while using third-party services.

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