Cloud Lab 02

Connect a domain and configure DNS.

Understand nameservers, records, TTL and propagation through a safe GoDaddy-to-ESA migration.

Last verified: 26 August 2026

The records you should recognise

TypePurpose
AName to IPv4 address
AAAAName to IPv6 address
CNAMEName to another hostname
TXTVerification and text policies such as SPF
MXMail destination; lower priority number is preferred
NSAuthoritative nameservers for a DNS zone

TTL tells recursive resolvers how long they may cache an answer. “Propagation” is usually old cached data expiring at different times.

GoDaddy-to-ESA case study

  1. Export or record every current DNS entry at GoDaddy, especially MX, TXT and verification records.
  2. Add the domain to ESA and choose the access method shown by the current console—NS delegation or CNAME.
  3. Recreate required records before changing nameservers. Do not lose email-related MX/TXT records.
  4. Lower relevant TTLs before the migration if your current provider permits it, then wait for the old TTL period.
  5. Change only the exact GoDaddy nameserver or record values ESA provides.
  6. Verify the authoritative NS, web records, email and HTTPS from multiple resolvers before deleting old configuration.
Risk warning: an incorrect nameserver change affects the entire DNS zone and can interrupt the website and email. Keep a record of the previous settings and make one controlled change at a time.
Official Alibaba Cloud: Add a domain to ESA →

Verify instead of guessing

nslookup -type=NS hafizrich.com
nslookup -type=A hafizrich.com
nslookup -type=MX hafizrich.com

Different resolvers may return different cached answers until their TTLs expire. Some resolvers may retain data longer than the configured TTL.

Official Alibaba Cloud: DNS record types →