Knowledgebase

A domain name is the human-readable address that people type into a web browser to visit a website. Rather than requiring users to remember a string of numbers known as an IP address, domain names provide a simple and memorable way to access websites, email services and other online resources.

Domain names are a fundamental part of the internet. Whether you are launching a new website, setting up a professional email address or establishing your brand online, understanding how domain names work is an important first step. This article explains what domain names are, how they are structured, how the domain name system works, and what you need to know when registering and managing your own domain.

A domain name is a unique, human-friendly label that identifies a website or online service on the internet. Every device connected to the internet is assigned a numerical IP address, but IP addresses are difficult for people to remember. Domain names solve this problem by mapping easy-to-remember words to the underlying IP addresses where websites and services are hosted.

For example, when you type apexhost.com.au into your browser, your computer looks up the domain name and translates it into the IP address of the server where the Apexhost website is hosted. This translation process happens automatically and almost instantly, allowing you to browse the web without needing to know the server's IP address.

Domain names follow a hierarchy, with each part separated by a dot.

The top-level domain is the final part of a domain name, such as .com, .net, .org, .au or .com.au. Australian domain extensions such as .com.au, .net.au and .org.au are managed under Australian domain name policies.

The second-level domain is usually the name you choose when registering a domain. In apexhost.com.au, the second-level domain is apexhost.

A fully qualified domain name includes every part of the domain hierarchy needed to identify a specific resource. For example, www.apexhost.com.au includes the subdomain, the main domain and the Australian domain extension.

A subdomain is an optional prefix added before the main domain name. Common examples include www.example.com.au, mail.example.com.au, support.example.com.au and shop.example.com.au. Subdomains are configured through DNS and do not require a separate domain registration.

The Domain Name System (DNS) translates domain names into IP addresses. It is often described as the phone book of the internet because it tells computers where to find websites, email servers and other services associated with a domain.

When you enter a domain name in your browser, your device asks DNS where that domain points. DNS then returns the correct server address, allowing your browser to connect to the website.

1. Your browser checks whether it already has a recent DNS answer stored in its cache.

2. If the answer is not cached, the request is sent to a DNS resolver, usually provided by your internet service provider or a public DNS service.

3. The resolver asks the root name servers where to find information for the relevant top-level domain.

4. The top-level domain name servers direct the resolver to the authoritative name servers for the domain.

5. The authoritative name servers return the DNS record, such as the website server IP address.

6. Your browser connects to the server and loads the website.

* A record — points a domain or subdomain to an IPv4 address.

* AAAA record — points a domain or subdomain to an IPv6 address.

* CNAME record — points one hostname to another hostname.

* MX record — tells the internet which mail servers receive email for the domain.

* TXT record — stores text-based information, commonly used for SPF, DKIM, DMARC and domain verification.

* NS record — identifies the authoritative name servers for the domain.

* SRV record — identifies the location of specific services, such as voice, chat or application services.

* PTR record — provides reverse DNS lookup, mapping an IP address back to a domain name.

* DNS changes can take time to propagate. Some changes appear within minutes, while others may take up to 48 hours depending on caching and TTL settings.

Domain names are registered through accredited domain registrars. When you register a domain, you are leasing the right to use that name for a set registration period. You must renew the domain before it expires to keep using it.

* Keep it short, clear and easy to remember. A simple domain is easier for customers to type and share.

* Use your business name, brand name or a close variation. This helps customers recognise your website and email addresses.

* Choose a domain extension that suits your audience. For Australian businesses, .com.au is often a trusted option.

* Avoid unnecessary hyphens, numbers or spelling variations where possible. These can make a domain harder to remember or explain over the phone.

* Check that the name does not conflict with an existing trademark or brand. This can help avoid legal and branding issues later.

Australian domains such as .com.au and .net.au have eligibility rules. In most cases, you need a valid Australian Business Number (ABN), Australian Company Number (ACN) or other eligible Australian presence. The domain name must also have a close and substantial connection to the registrant.

A domain name and web hosting are separate services. The domain name is the address people use to find your website. Web hosting is the service that stores your website files and makes them available online.

To make a website work, you generally need:

* A registered domain name. This gives customers a memorable address to use.

* An active web hosting service. This stores the website files and makes them available online.

* DNS records pointing the domain to the correct hosting server. This is commonly done with an A record that points to the hosting server IP address.

A domain name can also be used for professional email addresses, such as info@example.com.au or sales@example.com.au. To use email with your domain, you need an email hosting service and correctly configured DNS records.

The most important email DNS records are MX records, which tell the internet where to deliver email for your domain. SPF, DKIM and DMARC records are also recommended because they help protect your domain from spoofing and improve email deliverability.

Name servers control where your domain's DNS records are hosted. If your DNS is hosted with Apexhost, your domain should use the Apexhost name servers. If your DNS is hosted elsewhere, the name servers should point to that provider instead.

A domain can be transferred from one registrar to another. A transfer usually requires the domain to be unlocked and an authorisation code, sometimes called an EPP code, registry key or domain password. Your website and email should continue working during a transfer as long as the DNS records are not changed.

It is important to renew your domain before it expires. If a domain expires, your website and email may stop working. If it is not renewed within the available recovery period, it may eventually become available for someone else to register.

* Use a strong, unique password for your domain registrar or client area account.

* Enable two-factor authentication where available.

* Keep the domain locked unless you are actively transferring it.

* Keep your registrant contact details up to date so you receive renewal and policy notices.

* Renew domains before they expire to avoid service disruption or loss of the domain.

* Use an SSL certificate for websites so visitors can connect securely using HTTPS.

* Check that the domain has not expired. An expired domain can stop resolving and may also interrupt email.

* Confirm the name servers are correct. Incorrect name servers can send DNS queries to the wrong provider.

* Check that the A record points to the correct web hosting server. If the A record points to the wrong IP address, the domain may load the wrong website or fail to load.

* Allow time for DNS propagation if changes were made recently. Some DNS changes appear quickly, while others may take up to 48 hours.

* Confirm the MX records point to the correct email provider. Incorrect MX records can prevent mail from reaching Microsoft 365, Google Workspace or your hosting mail server.

* Check that the mailbox exists and the email service is active. DNS records alone do not create the mailbox.

* Review SPF, DKIM and DMARC records if messages are being rejected or marked as spam. These records help receiving mail servers verify that your domain is allowed to send the message.

* Allow time for DNS propagation after changing email records. Email routing may not update everywhere immediately.

* Make sure the domain is unlocked. A locked domain cannot usually be transferred to another registrar.

* Confirm you are using the correct EPP code or registry key. This code authorises the transfer request.

* Check whether the domain is within a transfer lock period. Some domains cannot be transferred within 60 days of registration or a previous transfer.

* Ensure the domain has not expired or entered a restricted recovery state. Expired domains may need to be renewed before transfer.

A domain name is part of a URL. A URL is the full web address, including the protocol, domain name and page path. For example, in https://www.example.com.au/contact, the domain name is example.com.au.

You can register an available domain name if you meet the rules for that domain extension. Some extensions, including Australian domains, have eligibility requirements.

Yes. Multiple domain names can point to the same website using redirects, aliases or DNS configuration. This is useful for protecting brand variations or directing different domain extensions to the same site.

If you do not renew your domain, the domain may stop resolving and services such as your website and email may stop working. After the available renewal or recovery period ends, the domain may eventually become available for someone else to register.

A new domain or DNS change can sometimes start working within minutes, but it may take up to 48 hours for DNS changes to propagate fully across the internet.

No. Domain names are registered for a fixed period and must be renewed. As long as you continue renewing the domain and meet the relevant policies, you can keep using it.

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