As you may already know, DNS acts like an internet phonebook allowing users to gain access to information through domain names. DNS intervenes and changes domain names into IP addresses to allow users to view pages from their devices. To sophisticate information access further, DNS is broken into many elements known as zones. These zones store files and allow for easier monitoring and control of the components of DNS.
The Difference Between a Domain and a Zone
A domain is more like an overall term that encompasses the whole system and is more of a logical structure in regard to the specific DNS namespace in question. On the other hand, a zone leans more towards delegative and administrative structures enabled by subdivisions of the namespace. Each subdomain needs you to create a corresponding subzone that can be part of a bigger domain zone. In essence, zones can be described as partitions or subdivisions of a primary domain namespace.
How DNS Zones Work
Essentially, DNS zones store files in physical elements known as zone files to make the information available for viewing. The zones work by capitalizing on delegation of the administrative space in order to streamline control and management. While each DNS zone controls a certain implemented authority, multiple zones DNS zones run in a preset hierarchical order to constitute an entire DNS namespace. DNS zones help to manage DNS records pertaining to a particular domain name of which they are part of. This means that the subdomains of a certain domain can be operated as elements of a single domain zone running on a dedicated server.
Making changes to your DNS Zone settings
Since organizations or individuals configure this authority independently, you may set your DNS zone to feature one or multiple subdomains with different levels of authority and access within the system. If, for example, you are renting a dedicated server from a provider, you can manage your DNS zones to tailor their functionality in line with your business or personal needs.
Accessing the DNS zones to make authoritative and delegative changes is easy using the following steps:
- Log in to the WHM control panel
- Search for DNS and go to DNS zone
- Locate the DNS zone you want to tweak, hit edit, and proceed to edit as required
- Once you are done, click save.
Benefits Driven by Domain Zones
Here are the benefits that domain zones bring to the table upon implementation:
- Domain zones facilitate the usage of domain name hierarchy without the need for IP addresses thereby making information easily available to users from their browsers.
- They foster more authority and better granular control over the elements of a DNS, simplifying administrative efforts.
- DNS zones can house more than one subdomain while many of these zones can operate from one VDS.
- They will give you the power of delegation and control while reducing operational costs as you only need to hire one central provider.
- Though they are used to represent distinct files and components, they are not practically separated. For an organization that hires a dedicated server, this means easier maintenance, editing, and overall management. Not to mention that you can transfer the technicalities to your provider for a professional touch that will give you a competitive edge.
Server reliability and predictability have risen to become among the biggest concerns for companies and individuals looking to streamline their online presence. Due to the much-needed control and management, there is a need to subdivide your domain space. For organizations and individuals renting hosting services, VDS, and dedicated servers, domains and zones are the gateways to easier management and delegation control.