Building a website, the domain name is the first gateway for users to access it. From purchasing a desirable domain name from a registrar to ensuring that the website can be accessed stably, there are two core steps to complete in the middle: domain name resolution and domain name registration. These two steps are closely interconnected, and any omission in either step may result in the website being inaccessible or facing compliance risks. This article will provide you with a complete and clear operation guide from purchasing a domain name to successfully launching a website.
Domain name purchase and basic concepts
Before we start the analysis and registration process, we first need to have a domain name and understand several key terms.
How to choose and purchase a domain name
Choosing a good domain name is the first step to success. An ideal domain name should be short and easy to remember, relevant to the brand or business, and preferably use common top-level domains (such as .com, .cn, .net). You can search and register your domain name with domestic service providers like Alibaba Cloud, Tencent Cloud, and Huawei Cloud, or international service providers like GoDaddy and Namecheap. When purchasing, please pay attention to the registration period and renewal price of the domain name.
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Core concepts: domain name registrar, DNS, and domain name servers
After purchasing a domain name, you need to understand these three concepts:
A domain name registrar is the platform where you purchase a domain name.
The DNS (Domain Name System) can be understood as the “phone book” of the Internet, which is responsible for translating your easy-to-remember domain names (such as www.example.comConvert it into a computer-readable IP address (for example, 192.0.2.1）。
A name server is a server that stores and manages DNS records for a specific domain. Registrars usually provide default name servers, but you can also change them to servers provided by other service providers (such as Cloudflare and Alibaba Cloud DNS).
Detailed configuration of domain name resolution
Domain name resolution is the process of mapping a domain name to the IP address of a website server. Only when it is configured correctly, can users access your website through the domain name.
Analysis of the main DNS record types
In the management panel of the domain name server, you need to configure several main types of records:
Record A: The most commonly used type of record, which directly maps a domain name to an IPv4 address. For example, by mapping… www.example.com Pointer 192.0.2.1。
CNAME record: An alias record that points one domain name to another. It is often used to redirect one domain name to another. www A subdomain points to the main domain, or is used when accessing services such as CDN and cloud storage.
MX record: A mail exchange record used to specify the server address for receiving emails. If you need to set up a corporate email system, you must configure this item correctly.
TXT record: A text record, often used for domain ownership verification (such as search engine webmaster tools, SSL certificate applications) or email security policy (such as SPF, DKIM) settings.
Analysis process and TTL settings
After a user enters a domain name in the browser, the local computer queries the recursive DNS server. The recursive server starts from the root name server and queries each level until it reaches the authoritative name server set up for your domain, ultimately obtaining the IP address. This process is called a DNS recursive query.
TTL (Time To Live) is an important value in DNS records, which tells other DNS servers how long the record can be cached. Before modifying the resolution records, it is recommended to reduce the TTL value in advance (such as 300 seconds) so that the changes can take effect quickly. After stabilizing, you can increase the TTL value (such as 7200 seconds) to reduce the query pressure and speed up access.
Detailed explanation of the domain name registration in mainland China
If you use a server in mainland China to host your website, you are legally required to register with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (ICP registration). Domains that are not registered will not be able to resolve to mainland servers and be accessed.
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The necessity of filing a record and the basic process involved
Registration is a system used by the state to manage Internet information services, with the main purpose of ensuring the compliance and traceability of website content. Without a registration number, service providers will block access to ports such as 80 and 443 of your domain name.
The basic process can be summarized as follows: 1. Purchase a server in the Chinese mainland and obtain a registration service number; 2. Submit the required documents through the registration system provided by the server provider; 3. The service provider conducts a preliminary review; 4. The documents are then submitted to the local telecommunications authorities for further review; 5. Upon successful review, the registration number is issued.
The materials required for filing and matters needing attention
For individual registration, the following materials are usually required: scanned copies of the front and back sides of the ID card, a verification certificate for the authenticity of the website, and photos of the individual holding the ID card. For unit registration, the following materials are required: a copy of the business license, the ID card of the legal representative, the ID card of the website supervisor, and the official seal, among others.
The precautions include: the information of the filing subject (name/unit name) must be consistent with the information of the domain name owner; the website content must comply with laws and regulations, and shall not involve pre-approval content (such as news, publishing, medical, etc.) without obtaining the corresponding license; the website cannot be accessed during the filing period; and the filing number must be placed at the bottom of the website homepage.
Analysis and online inspection after filing
After completing the analysis of the configuration and the review of the filing, it doesn't mean that everything is done. The system check is the last crucial step to ensure the smooth launch of the website.
Verify that the parsing is effective by using the tool
You can use the nslookup(Windows) or digUse the following command on Linux/macOS to query the resolution results of a domain name. For example, enter the following command in the command prompt: nslookup www.yourdomain.comCheck whether the IP address returned matches the one you set.
Online tools such as the “DNS Query” or “What's My DNS?” in “Webmaster Tools‘ are also very useful. They can detect globally whether your resolution records have been correctly propagated.
Check the accessibility of the website and the display of the filing number
First, directly enter your domain name in the browser to check whether the website can load normally and whether the HTTPS certificate is valid (if it has been configured).
Secondly, check whether the MIIT filing number has been properly displayed at the bottom of the website's homepage and whether there is a link to it. https://beian.miit.gov.cn/(The official website of the Record Management System of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology). This is a compliance requirement. If the sign is not displayed, the company may be ordered to make corrections.
Finally, check all the functions of the website, including page redirection, image loading, form submission, etc., to ensure that everything runs normally in a real network environment.
summarize
From purchasing a domain name to successfully launching a website, it is a technical and compliance-oriented process that requires meticulous attention. Understanding and completing domain name resolution is the technical bridge that maps a virtual address to a real server; while complying with regulations to complete domain name registration is the legal prerequisite for ensuring the website's legal operation in mainland China. The two are complementary and indispensable. It is recommended that website operators follow the sequence of “purchasing a domain name -> configuring basic resolution -> submitting a registration application -> configuring final resolution after registration is approved -> conducting a comprehensive launch check,” and document and verify each step to ensure that the website serves users smoothly and in compliance with regulations.
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FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to register a domain name?
It usually takes 10 to 20 working days. The specific time depends on the accuracy and completeness of the materials you submit, as well as the review efficiency of the local communications authority. The initial review by the service provider typically takes 1 to 3 days, and the regulatory authority's review period is within 20 working days according to law.
Can the website be accessed during the filing process?
No. During the period when the filing application is submitted to the Communications Administration for review, your domain name must be in an “inaccessible” state. The service provider will temporarily block access to your domain name pointing to mainland servers. Only after the filing is successful and you receive a filing number, can the block be lifted and normal access be restored.
For a domain name that has already been registered, does changing the server require re-registration?
This depends on the service provider and province of the server being replaced. If you are replacing the server under the same service provider (such as switching from Alibaba Cloud South China 1 Zone to North China 2 Zone), you usually only need to perform a “change of filing information”, which is a relatively simple process. If you are migrating the website to another service provider (such as moving from Alibaba Cloud to Tencent Cloud), you must handle a “filing transfer” (or “access filing”) and submit an access application to the new service provider.
How long does it take for changes to domain name resolution records to take effect?
The global activation time depends on the TTL value you set. In theory, it will take full effect only after the TTL expires. However, due to caching in DNS servers at various levels, the actual activation time usually ranges from a few minutes to a few hours. Reducing the TTL in advance can speed up the activation process.
Can domains registered abroad be registered for record in China?
Yes, but the process is more complicated and not all domestic service providers support it. This is usually referred to as “overseas domain name filing”. You need to first transfer the domain name to a qualified domain name registrar in mainland China (such as Alibaba Cloud or Tencent Cloud), and then submit the filing application through that service provider. The process is more complicated than registering a domain name directly in China.
What's next, what's next?
Extended reading and practical knowledge
The following are related to the topic of this article and are suitable for further in-depth reading. Prioritize starting with the article that is closest to your current problem, and gradually expanding to surrounding topics usually works better.
- Comprehensive Analysis of Shared Hosting: Definitions, Advantages and Disadvantages, Selection Guidelines, and Best Practices
- A Comprehensive Guide to the Website Construction Process: Analysis of Core Technologies and Practical Strategies from Start to Go-Live
- Starting from scratch: A step-by-step guide on how to efficiently apply for and configure a personal website domain name
- A Comprehensive Guide to Website Construction: Ten Essential Steps to Building a Professional Website from Scratch
- The Five-Step Rule for Mastering Domain Name Security: A Comprehensive Guide to Protection from Registration to Management
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