DNS Provider Guides

Step-by-step instructions for popular DNS providers and domain registrars.

Cloudflare

Important Cloudflare Considerations

If you're already using Cloudflare, you have two options:

  1. Replace Cloudflare - Point DNS directly to AtomicEdge (recommended)
  2. Stack with Cloudflare - Use Cloudflare → AtomicEdge → Your Server (advanced)

Option 1: Replace Cloudflare (Recommended)

Step 1: Disable Cloudflare Proxy

  1. Log into Cloudflare dashboard
  2. Go to DNS settings for your domain
  3. Find your A record (@ and www)
  4. Click the orange cloud to turn it grey (DNS only)
  5. Update the IP address to your AtomicEdge endpoint IP

Step 2: Update DNS Records

Type: A, Name: @, Value: 198.51.100.10, Proxy: DNS only (grey cloud)
Type: A, Name: www, Value: 198.51.100.10, Proxy: DNS only (grey cloud)

Why This Works Better:

  • No conflicting security features
  • Simpler troubleshooting
  • Full AtomicEdge feature access
  • No double-proxying performance impact

GoDaddy

Accessing DNS Management

  1. Log into GoDaddy account
  2. Go to "My Products"
  3. Find your domain and click "DNS"
  4. Or go to Domain Manager → "Manage DNS"

Updating Records

  1. Find the A record with Name "@" (root domain)
  2. Click the pencil icon to edit
  3. Change the Value to your AtomicEdge WAF IP
  4. Set TTL to 600 (10 minutes)
  5. Save changes

Repeat for WWW:

  1. Find or create A record with Name "www"
  2. Set Value to same AtomicEdge WAF IP
  3. Save changes

Common GoDaddy Issues

Domain Forwarding Enabled

  • Problem: GoDaddy forwarding overrides DNS
  • Solution: Disable forwarding in Domain Manager
  • Then: Set up proper A records

Parking Page Active

  • Problem: GoDaddy shows parking page
  • Solution: Remove parking service
  • Then: Configure DNS records

Namecheap

Accessing DNS Settings

  1. Log into Namecheap account
  2. Go to Domain List
  3. Click "Manage" next to your domain
  4. Click "Advanced DNS" tab

Updating Records

  1. Find the A Record with Host "@"
  2. Click the edit icon
  3. Change the Value to your AtomicEdge WAF IP
  4. Set TTL to 300 (5 minutes)
  5. Save changes

Add WWW Record:

  1. Click "Add New Record"
  2. Type: A Record
  3. Host: www
  4. Value: Your AtomicEdge WAF IP
  5. TTL: 300

Common Namecheap Issues

URL Redirect Active

  • Problem: Namecheap redirect service interferes
  • Solution: Turn off URL redirect
  • Then: Use Advanced DNS for A records

FreeDNS vs PremiumDNS

  • FreeDNS: Basic DNS management (usually sufficient)
  • PremiumDNS: Advanced features (not required for AtomicEdge)

Amazon Route 53

Accessing Route 53

  1. Log into AWS Console
  2. Go to Route 53 service
  3. Click "Hosted Zones"
  4. Select your domain

Creating Records

  1. Click "Create Record"
  2. Leave Record Name blank (for root domain)
  3. Record Type: A
  4. Value: Your AtomicEdge WAF IP
  5. TTL: 300
  6. Click "Create Records"

For WWW subdomain:

  1. Create another record
  2. Record Name: www
  3. Record Type: A
  4. Value: Same AtomicEdge WAF IP

Route 53 Advantages

  • Fast propagation: Usually 1-5 minutes
  • Global network: Excellent performance
  • Advanced features: Health checks, failover, etc.

Google Domains

Accessing DNS Settings

  1. Log into Google Domains
  2. Select your domain
  3. Click "DNS" in the left menu
  4. Scroll to "Custom Resource Records"

Adding Records

  1. Name: @ (for root domain)
  2. Type: A
  3. TTL: 300
  4. Data: Your AtomicEdge WAF IP
  5. Click "Add"

For WWW:

  1. Name: www
  2. Type: A
  3. TTL: 300
  4. Data: Same AtomicEdge WAF IP

Other Common Providers

Network Solutions

  1. Account ManagerMy Domain Names
  2. Edit DNSAdvanced DNS Records
  3. Edit A record → Update IP address

1&1 IONOS

  1. Control PanelDomains & SSL
  2. Manage DomainDNS Settings
  3. Edit A record → Change IP address

Bluehost

  1. cPanelZone Editor
  2. Manage your domain
  3. Edit A record → Update IP

HostGator

  1. cPanelDNS Zone Editor
  2. Edit your domain's A record
  3. Change IP to AtomicEdge endpoint

Hosting Provider DNS

When Your Host Manages DNS

Many hosting providers also manage DNS for your domain:

Common Hosting DNS Managers:

  • cPanel - Zone Editor or Simple DNS Zone Editor
  • Plesk - DNS Settings
  • DirectAdmin - DNS Management
  • Custom panels - Look for "DNS" or "Domain" settings

Finding DNS Management

  1. Log into hosting control panel
  2. Look for "DNS", "Domain", or "Zone Editor"
  3. Select your domain
  4. Edit A records

When to Use Hosting DNS

  • Convenience: Everything in one place
  • Simplicity: No separate DNS account needed
  • Integration: May integrate with hosting features

When to Use External DNS

  • Performance: Dedicated DNS providers often faster
  • Features: More advanced DNS options
  • Reliability: Separate from hosting for redundancy

Verification After Changes

Check Your Work

  1. Use DNS checking tools - whatsmydns.net, dnschecker.org
  2. Wait for propagation - 5-60 minutes typically
  3. Test your website - Should load normally
  4. Check AtomicEdge dashboard - Status should show "Active"

If Something Goes Wrong

  • Double-check IP address - Ensure you used correct AtomicEdge IP
  • Verify record type - Should be A record, not CNAME for root domain
  • Check TTL - Lower TTL (300) for faster updates
  • Contact support - We can help verify your DNS configuration

Need Help?

  • 💬 Live Chat: Get help with your specific DNS provider
  • 📧 Email Support: Send screenshots of your DNS settings
  • 🛠️ Managed Setup: We can configure DNS for you (Enterprise)