> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.up-network.ch/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.up-network.ch/documentation/en/guides/domains-and-dns.md).

# Domains and DNS

Registering a domain, managing its DNS zone and hosting its services are three separate operations. A purchased domain does not automatically point to the correct website or email service.

## Find the active zone

Check the nameservers configured at your registrar. Change the zone managed by those servers: a change in Plesk has no public effect if the domain uses another authoritative zone.

| Record | Purpose                                                            |
| ------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| A      | IPv4 address of the website or server.                             |
| AAAA   | IPv6 address of the website or server.                             |
| CNAME  | Alias to another name, subject to your DNS provider’s constraints. |
| MX     | Server that receives the domain’s email.                           |
| TXT    | Verification records and policies such as SPF, DKIM and DMARC.     |

Use the values received for your service. Do not copy the public UP-NETWORK website’s IP address or guess nameservers.

## Prepare a change

Record the existing zone and active services before replacing records or delegation. Preserve the MX records and validation entries needed for email and other applications.

Prepare the destination website or server, its certificates and content before moving traffic. Reducing the TTL in advance may ease the transition; existing caches expire according to the values they have already received.

Add an AAAA record only when your service responds correctly over IPv6. An incorrect AAAA record can cause some connections to fail even if IPv4 is correct.

## Verify

From Linux or a DNS tool of your choice:

```sh
dig +short A VOTRE_DOMAINE
dig +short AAAA VOTRE_DOMAINE
dig +short MX VOTRE_DOMAINE
dig +short NS VOTRE_DOMAINE
```

Replace `VOTRE_DOMAINE` with the relevant domain. Then test the website and email sending/receiving. If you encounter a problem, attach the domain, results and time to a [ticket](/documentation/en/guides/how-to-open-a-support-ticket.md).

Updated on 3 October 2026. Reference: [domains and web hosting](https://up-network.ch/services/web-hosting).