A nameserver is a DNS server that translates domain names into IP addresses. Nameservers store and organise DNS records, each pairing a domain with one or more IP addresses. These servers bridge between domain names, which humans can remember, and IP addresses, which computers can process.
Your domain’s nameservers control where all of its DNS records are managed. If you set your domain to Z.com’s nameservers, your domain will automatically use the DNS records configured in your Z.com cPanel. However, if your nameservers are pointed to a different company, you must log into their cPanel to manage your DNS settings.
Nameservers, in short, arrange the traffic direction all over the internet. When you search a domain name in the browser search bar, the browser begins to process the website you are searching and locate the correct web server. The name server will serve as a guide for the browser to locate the correct server to where your website is hosted.
Benefits of directing my nameservers toward Z.com
Managing your domain nameservers pointed to Z.com default settings will give you flexibility to adapt system changes/updates. Any DNS changes, your DNS will automatically be resolved and your website will adapt/use the new DNS information that may minimise server propagation and limit downtime due to DNS migration.
Example: if your website is hosted to another server, the domain will automatically resolve to the new IP when you are using Z.com Nameserver. However, if your nameserver is pointed elsewhere and your website hosted at Z.com changes IP, then your domain’s A records to where you are managing your DNS may need to be updated to the new server’s IP.
Note: Nameserver controls your entire DNS information. This includes MX(Mail), TXT, A Records, etc. This is the most convenient way to point your domain to your website and email server provider.
When changes happen it can take up to 48 hours before DNS resolves to the new host company.
You can only set a Name server to your primary domain, thus should you wish to point your subdomain you may need to create A record on your DNS table to point your subdomain to the hosting provider.
Nameserver propagation
Edit on Nameserver settings needs to propagate up to 24 to 48 hours. Updates take effect as early as 1 hour, meaning changing of nameserver can be visible hence it may need 48 hours for the DNS total propagate and be resolved worldwide.
Z.com’s nameservers
By default, when you register your domain with us (Z.com), your domain will use our default name server.
If your domain is registered elsewhere and you have web hosting with us, to link your domain and server you may login to your current registrar dashboard and update your nameserver pointed to Z.com.
Z.com Default Name Server
ns-wh1.web.z.com
ns-wh2.web.z.com
How to check your domain nameserver settings
If you are unsure and you want to check your domain name server setting visit https://lookup.icann.org/, type your domain name and it will display your nameserver settings.