How to Create a DNS Website Redirect

DNS helps make the web easier to navigate.

DNS stands for "Domain Name Service." It's a system that translates Internet Protocol (IP) addresses into web addresses that are much easier for humans to read and understand. For example, if you type 98.124.249.20 into your browser URL field, you should reach the eHow homepage. DNS changes that somewhat-confusing number into a user-friendly website name. By altering the DNS records for your domain, it's possible to redirect anybody who types your web address into their browser to arrive at another domain of your choice.

Things You'll Need

• Registered domain name
• Domain login and password information

Instructions

1. Log in to your domain registrar account. This is the site where you registered your domain name. It may be the same site as your hosting company, or it may be separate.

2. Find your domain information. Usually, you should see account details with your individual domains listed.

3. Locate your DNS information. Not every registrar makes this available. However, in most cases you should be able to find it listed in your domain account. In some cases, DNS may be referred to as "nameservers."

4. Change the DNS information to match the destination IP address. This will instruct any browsers trying to access your current site to visit your preferred address instead. If this functionality isn't available, you may need to search for a CNAME (Canonical Name) option. This will allow you to change the destination web address.

5. Save your changes. It may take a few hours before the changes register online though it can occasionally take as much as 48 hours.

6. Test your site to make sure that it is redirecting successfully. If you're having problems with the redirect, you may need to contact your hosting company or domain name registrar.

References

• Indiana University Information Technology Services: What is DNS?
• RM: Website Redirection Explained