Knowledge Base

A records are the most utilized record type in DNS. In order for a domain to function properly, it must have an A (or a AAAA) record, as this is what maps a fully qualified domain name (FQDN) to an IPv4 (or IPv6) address. You can configure A records for a specific host (www.example.com) or for the root record (example.com).

Note: The @ symbol refers to the root of the domain, which can be reflected within your zone file as a blank name value.

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 A Records

A common use case for A records is to configure multiple IPv4 (or IPv6) addresses for the same A record. This configuration type is ideal for load balancing solutions, such as Failover, Round Robin, and Round Robin with Failover.

How to Create an A Record in Constellix

1. Log in to 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. Add an A Record

After selecting the domain that needs the A record, you will be taken to the Records page. The A Record section is the first option.  If you have not configured any A records for this domain yet, click the green + icon beside the A record to expand options.
 

3. Click the green + icon to add an A record.
 

4. Enter the A Record Values and Save

You should now see the Add A Record pop-up window.

Fill out the following values:
 

a) Name: Enter the hostname for the record. To set the record for the root domain (@), leave this field blank

b) TTL: Time to live (measured in seconds) determines how long a record is cached in nameservers. 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.

d) Geo Proximity: The Geo Proximity rule allows you to optimize web traffic by specifying the locations of IP addresses for your DNS A records.

e) IP Filter:  This feature lets you configure an IP Filter for an A 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 A record to point to.

h) Notes: The note section lets you add important details and keywords so you can easily search for specific records later (optional, but recommended).

i) Save: If you need to add an additional A record, tap the green Save and Continue button, otherwise, click on Save and Close.

Note: In order for your A record to take effect, you must review and apply changes.

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