DNS (Domain Name System) translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses. This guide explains how to configure the most common DNS record types to point your domain to a LightYear server.
DNS Record Types
| Type | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A | Maps a hostname to an IPv4 address | example.com → 45.77.x.x |
| AAAA | Maps a hostname to an IPv6 address | example.com → 2001:db8::1 |
| CNAME | Aliases one hostname to another | www → example.com |
| MX | Specifies mail servers for a domain | example.com → mail.example.com |
| TXT | Stores arbitrary text (SPF, DKIM, verification) | v=spf1 include:.... |
| NS | Delegates a zone to name servers | ns1.registrar.com |
Step 1 — Find Your Server's IP Address
In the LightYear control panel, navigate to Servers → Your Server. The public IP address is displayed in the server overview.
Step 2 — Add an A Record
Log in to your domain registrar's DNS management panel and add:
| Type | Name | Value | TTL |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | @ | 45.77.x.x | 300 |
| A | www | 45.77.x.x | 300 |
The @ symbol represents the root domain (example.com). Using 300 seconds (5 minutes) TTL during initial setup allows quick changes; increase to 3600 once confirmed.
Step 3 — Verify DNS Propagation
DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate globally, though typically 5–30 minutes is sufficient.
Check propagation from your terminal:
$dig example.com A +short45.77.x.x$nslookup example.com 8.8.8.8Server: 8.8.8.8
Address: 8.8.8.8#53
Non-authoritative answer:
Name: example.com
Address: 45.77.x.xStep 4 — Add a CNAME for www
If you prefer to use a CNAME for www instead of a second A record:
| Type | Name | Value | TTL |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNAME | www | example.com | 300 |
[!NOTE] You cannot use a CNAME for the root domain (
@). The root domain must use an A record.
Configure Email (MX Records)
To receive email at your domain, add MX records pointing to your mail provider:
| Type | Name | Value | Priority | TTL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX | @ | mail.example.com | 10 | 3600 |
| A | 45.77.x.x | — | 3600 |
Add SPF to Prevent Email Spoofing
v=spf1 ip4:45.77.x.x include:_spf.google.com ~allAdd this as a TXT record on the root domain (@).