Vanity nameservers are custom-branded DNS nameservers that allow organizations to brand existing nameservers under their domain name. Vanity nameservers function the same way as standard nameservers, except they can be personalized to look like they are managed under the domain name of the organization.
This helps organizations have a more professional and branded approach and maintain control over their own online identity.
How do vanity nameservers work?
Here is how an organization can configure and rebrand a vanity nameserver to differentiate it from standard nameservers:
1. The organization registers a vanity nameserver with its domain name (e.g., ns1.example.com).
2. The vanity nameserver then points towards the authoritative nameserver provided by the DNS host.
3. When clients send DNS queries, they will be resolved by the underlying authoritative DNS servers, but it appears to be managed under the custom vanity nameserver.
4. The clients querying the domain will see the vanity nameserver instead of the DNS provider’s authoritative nameserver, reinforcing the brand identity.
How do vanity nameservers benefit organizations?
Branding and professionalism
Custom-branded nameservers enable organizations to reinforce their brand identity by having DNS services operate under their domain name. This enhances the brand’s credibility and professionalism.
Enhanced trust
Customers and clients see the organization domain’s nameserver instead of a third-party provider’s, making them perceive the domain as more authoritative and reliable.
Control and customization
Organizations gain greater control over DNS management while avoiding reliance on third-party branded nameservers. When switching DNS providers, vanity nameservers ensure that nameserver addresses remain the same, reducing the need to update DNS records for multiple domains.
White labeling for resellers
Vanity nameservers benefit web host providers and resellers by enabling them to personalize the nameservers and offer DNS services under their domain name instead of exposing their DNS infrastructure. This helps increase security and privacy for the organization.
How to configure vanity nameservers in ManageEngine CloudDNS
ManageEngine CloudDNS allows network admins to create and configure vanity nameserver templates and associate them with the organization’s personalized domain name. Here is how it can be configured:
1. Select the Configuration menu in the left menu bar.
2. Select Zones under the Configuration section and select the Vanity Nameservers tab.
3. Click Add Template to create a new vanity nameserver template.
4. Provide an alphanumeric name for the template (CloudDNS accepts only alphanumeric names).
5. Select the type of template you want to configure based on the geolocation. There are two types:
-> All Regions: Select All Regions if you’d like to configure vanity hostnames for nameservers located across the globe.
-> Specific Region: Select Specific Region if you’d like to configure vanity hostnames for nameservers only from selected regions.
6. Enter the personalized name for your vanity nameserver(s) by clicking the Add button next to the NAMESERVER HOST NAME field.
You can then associate your domain with the vanity nameserver template by following the steps below:
1. Click the domain you want to be the hostname for the vanity nameserver.
2. Select Yes for the VANITY field.
3. Select the newly created template and click Save.
Custom-brand your organization’s nameservers for a better identity using CloudDNS’ vanity nameservers
By setting up vanity nameservers, organizations can establish a professional online presence and reinforce their brand identity in the digital space. Vanity nameservers provide an excellent way to customize and control your DNS infrastructure while maintaining professional branding.
Try ManageEngine CloudDNS for free to explore how vanity nameservers can be configured!
