Are you wondering what domain name server hosting is and whether it's necessary? If you have a website that receives a large number of visits every month, domain name server hosting may be a good idea. There are several factors to consider when deciding whether or not to host your website on a domain name server.
Domain name server hosting provides services to resolve DNS queries more efficiently. It holds information related to a website on a dedicated server, allowing users to reach their destination more quickly. It may be worth it if a website deals with high traffic volumes and sensitive information.
Whether you're planning to start a website or already have a successful one up and running, you should know what domain name server hosting is and if it's worth paying for.
If you're unsure, this article explains what domain name server hosting is and its benefits to help you make an informed decision.
What is Domain Name Server Hosting?
(Source: Windmill Strategy)
Domain name server hosting is a network service that controls domain name systems listed on domain name registrars. They also integrate with Web hosting services and internet service providers (ISP) and provide a dedicated server for better access to resources listed under a specific domain name. (Related: 8 SiteGround Alternatives for Your Web Hosting Needs)
Domain name server hosting provides various services for domain name systems that allow users to find the information they are searching for more quickly and efficiently. Instead of search queries being handled by the initial server, queries are transferred to a dedicated server. The dedicated server tries to resolve the query according to its domain name.
DNS hosting essentially speeds up the process of searching for your domain name and allows users to access your website faster. Hosting your DNS on a server means that all information about your website and where to find its resources will be stored on a server or multiple servers worldwide. This reduces the amount of time required to find it.
Domain name server hosts also provide various services that protect a website and its resources and make websites more accessible to users from various external links and addresses. Hosting service providers offer a variety of services. The available services may differ, and some may only be available at extra costs, such as GoDaddy.
Here are some of the features of domain name server hosting:
Traffic Monitoring
Too much traffic can result in the website being unreachable by users. Domain name servers have firewalls that determine whether incoming and outgoing traffic on a website is malicious and can block that traffic to prevent damage to the website or the user. They also have services that prevent malicious activity by malware or bots that can affect the system and slow down processes.
Many service providers have analytics tools for monitoring what kind of traffic a DNS is experiencing. These include locating where the requests are coming from, what IP was used to access a website, and whether it was searched or a link was clicked.
Security
Some hosting providers have security features that allow users to safely and securely input personal or sensitive information. For example, users must provide their credit card information when buying a product online. If that information is stolen, it could be used to purchase other products under the user's name and on their card.
SSL certificates encrypt and protect sensitive user information during the transfer. This can also help companies protect their information from outside sources, as the information may only be decrypted with the corresponding certificate on the receiving end. Additionally, two-way authentication provides a website with extra security by putting further security protocols in place.
Accessibility
Dynamic DNS allows the IP addresses of websites to change and will update the domain name server so that the website is still accessible using the same name. For example, the IP address attached to the name of a company's website may change, which would usually make it unreachable from the same name. Dynamic DNS updates the servers to carry the correct IP address.
Using Web redirection, users can access a website from an external link that may be slightly different from the primary website URL. The name may change, but the website is the same. This means that any outdated links or old website names will still allow users to access the current version of a website. This is useful for companies that have changed names or been bought by other companies.
Bigger domain name server hosting providers have servers in more locations around the world. This makes accessing a website easier because the closest server is used, rather than one halfway around the world. The user's request will be directed to the server closest to them for the fastest response time.
Support
Some service providers have support teams that assist with any issues that may arise on a website regarding the DNS. These teams can troubleshoot and provide helpful information on the current status of a website. Some paid hosting services have more comprehensive support with 24-hour assistance.
Is Domain Name Server Hosting Worth The Cost?
Domain name server hosting comes with many factors to consider. These factors revolve around how much traffic the site receives and in how many locations worldwide. Hosting a domain name server for smaller websites like small businesses may not be necessary. If the business grows, however, the need for a more robust system and load-balancing can become significant.
For high-traffic websites, having a dedicated domain name server is essential because of the amount of traffic the server has to deal with. Too many requests will cause a backlog and cause the website to load very slowly. In some cases, users may not be able to access the website due to an overload of requests.
Some features of hosting a domain name server can be obtained from other third-party software, such as added security for sensitive information. Some hosting providers also offer free services.
Final Thoughts
Hosting a DNS on a dedicated server is worth it if a website is going to be experiencing high volumes of visits each month. Added security features included in the plan make managing and securing resources much more manageable. For smaller websites with fewer visitors, it may not be worth it as most websites can handle low traffic, and third-party security can be used.