For a browser to access a website, it must first determine the website's IP address. The DNS service plays a crucial role in this process, converting the entered domain name into the corresponding IP address. The distributed DNS database contains various records that manage the locations of these addresses.

The primary function of a DNS record is to link a domain (or domains) to an IP address. An AAAA record specifically connects a domain name to an IPv6 address. There is also an A Record, which performs a similar function but maps to an IPv4 address instead.

What Is IPv6?

An IPv4 address consists of a series of numbers, such as 11.22.33.44, and serves as a unique identifier on the Internet. However, with the increasing number of devices connecting to the Internet, the limited capacity of IPv4 addressing can no longer meet demand. Consequently, a new addressing system called IPv6 was developed, offering a vastly larger capacity. For example, the address FE80::0202:B3FF:FE1E:8329 is an IPv6 address.

Format of AAAA Records

Consider the following example of an AAAA record:

www.vergecloud.site. 3600 IN AAAA 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334

When a name server (the server responsible for finding a domain's IP address) encounters this type of record while resolving a domain's IP address, the search concludes.

Typically, most websites that support IPv6 have a single AAAA record for their main domain. However, it is possible to define multiple AAAA records for a domain. Prominent websites often utilize this latter approach, employing a round-robin method to distribute traffic across various locations that share identical content.

With the VergeCloud DNS feature, users can easily add, modify, delete, and manage their domain's DNS records within the records management section.

Setting Records Using the API

VergeCloud provides a robust API that allows users to programmatically manage DNS records, including AAAA records. This capability is particularly useful for automating DNS management tasks or integrating DNS configuration into existing workflows.

Steps to Register AAAA Records via API:

1. Authenticate: Obtain your API credentials from the VergeCloud User Panel. These typically include an API key and secret.
2. Construct the API Request: Create a POST request to the VergeCloud DNS API endpoint with the necessary parameters. Below is an example using cURL:
   

   curl -X POST "https://api.vergecloud.site/v1/domains/vergecloud.site/dns_records" \
         -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
         -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
         -d '{
               "type": "AAAA",
               "name": "www",
               "value": "2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334",
               "ttl": 3600
             }'

3. Send the Request: Execute the API request. If successful, the VergeCloud API will respond with confirmation that the AAAA record has been created.
4. Handle Responses: Implement error handling to manage any issues that arise during the API call, such as authentication failures or invalid data.

Refer to the VergeCloud API documentation for detailed information on endpoints, parameters, and authentication methods.

Binding Format of the Specified Record

The binding format refers to how the AAAA record is structured and associated with your domain within VergeCloud. Ensuring the correct format is vital for the proper functioning of DNS policies.

Example Binding Format:

{
  "type": "AAAA",
  "name": "www",
  "value": "2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334",
  "ttl": 3600
}

Components:

• type: The type of DNS record, which is AAAA for IPv6 addresses.
• name: The name of the record, typically the subdomain (e.g., www).
• value: The IPv6 address associated with the domain.
• ttl: Time To Live, indicating how long the record is cached by DNS servers.

Ensure that all fields are correctly populated within the VergeCloud User Panel to avoid misconfigurations that could disrupt your website's accessibility.

Output of the Dig Command

The dig command is a powerful DNS lookup tool used to verify DNS records, including AAAA records. After configuring your AAAA record through VergeCloud, you can use dig to confirm its presence and correctness.

Example Command:

dig AAAA www.vergecloud.site +short

Expected Output:

2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334

Interpreting the Output:

• 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334: This is the IPv6 address associated with www.vergecloud.site.

If the output matches your AAAA record configuration in VergeCloud, your setup is correct. If discrepancies are found, revisit your DNS settings in the VergeCloud User Panel to make necessary adjustments.