Question

How rDNS technically works in Digital Ocean?

Posted December 29, 2019 294 views
DigitalOcean Accounts

Hello,
I wanted to ask how rDNS (reverse DNS) exactly works in Digital Ocean, it’s unclear to me how simply naming my droplet to an FQDN would automatically handle the PTR record(s), what if I used an already existing or non-existing FQDN? What if I named my droplet “google.com”? What if I named it “abcxyz.org” (assuming such domain doesn’t exist)?

In other words, how is rDNS technically/internally set up for DO droplets?

Add a comment
ElicWilly
By:
ElicWilly
Add a comment

These answers are provided by our Community. If you find them useful, show some love by clicking the heart. If you run into issues leave a comment, or add your own answer to help others.

×
1 answer
alexdo December 31, 2019

Hello, @ElicWilly

The Reverse DNS is configured automatically from our end based on the droplet’s hostname.

In case you choose a hostname which is already in use or something like google.com the hostname will simply not work for you in way to access/connect your droplet via the hostname and you will need to use the IP address in order to login via ssh or access it in the browser.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Alex

Reply Report
  • BaneTerry January 1, 2020

    What if I used a hostname that I don’t own? I believe that was a part of the OP’s question that wasn’t answered.

    Also, can you please emphasize in a more technical way what exactly happens under the hood when you mentioned:
    “In case you choose a hostname which is already in use or something like google.com the hostname will simply not work for you”
    Why -technically- in case of “Google.com” it wouldn’t work while anything else that’s valid from the owner’s and/or DO’s perspective would? How can the system tell if a given hostname is whether valid or not?

    Reply Report
Submit an Answer

Related

Looking for something else?

Ask a new question Search for more help