How to Activate CDN Service on VergeCloud for Enhanced Website Performance

Activating CDN Service on VergeCloud: Boost Your Website’s Speed and Reliability

The first step in utilizing our CDN service involves registering your domain within your VergeCloud account.
Read more about CDN.

This guide will walk you through the necessary steps. 
Notes

NOTICE

  • DNSSEC: Ensure that DNSSEC is disabled on your domain before starting the setup.
  • Cloud Icon (Root Record Verification): Make sure the Cloud icon is turned off for your root record before starting the activation process.
  • CDN Activation: Enable the Cloud icon once all configurations are correct to activate CDN features.
  • DNS Propagation:Updating DNS records depends on the TTL (Time to Live) settings for each record. In some cases, changes can take a long time to propagate worldwide.

Glossary

  • CDN (Content Delivery Network): A network of servers distributed across various locations that delivers web content to users based on their geographical location.
  • Domain: A distinct address on the internet that users type into their browser to access a website.
  • NS (Name Server): A server that manages the domain name system (DNS) for domain names.
  • CNAME (Canonical Name Record): A type of DNS record that allows you to alias one domain name to another.
  • API (Application Programming Interface): A set of rules that allows different software entities to communicate with each other.

Step-by-Step Setup

  1. Add Domain

    In your dashboard, navigate to the Websites and click on Add Site.

    Input your domain’s address without the “www” prefix. If you are transferring traffic from a subdomain, enter the subdomain name instead.

    then click on Accept and Continue to proceed.

    Entering Your Domain

    If you are adding a subdomain, you will be prompted to choose between NS Delegation or CNAME Setup.

  2. Choosing and Purchasing a Plan

    Select a plan for your domain and complete the payment process. More details are available on our CDN pricing page.

    Plan Selection

    If you have a coupon code, apply it for a discount.

    Purchase Plan
  3. Reviewing Domain DNS Records

    On the next page, review your domain’s DNS records. These records are automatically added, but you could also edit or add new records as needed. (This step can also be completed later in the DNS Records section.)
    Read more about how to manage DNS records
    Read more about how to use DNS Load Balancing
    Read more about how to add DNS records with zone files.

    Confirm that a valid root DNS record exists. The root record must be one of the following types: A, ANAME, or AAAA.

    Warning
    Turn The Cloud Icon off for root records.
  4. Updating DNS Records for Domain Setup

    For a regular (primary) domain setup, update your domain’s NS records at your registrar (or parent domain) to point to VergeCloud’s NS servers.

    AlertReminder: Make sure DNSSEC is disabled on your domain before making these changes.
    Read more about essential steps before changing name servers to VergeCloud.

    If you are setting up a subdomain:

    • NS Delegation: Update the NS records in the parent domain (or registrar) to delegate to VergeCloud’s NS servers.
    • CNAME Setup: Add the provided CNAME record to the parent domain’s DNS service.

    InfoNote: Updating DNS records depends on the TTL (Time to Live) settings for each record. In some cases, changes can take a long time to propagate worldwide.
    Read more about DNS Record TTL.

    To verify that your DNS changes have propagated, you could use the "dig" command in your terminal or visit dnschecker.org for a user-friendly graphical interface.

    Updating NS Records

    Double-check the values of your root record to ensure they are accurate and correctly configured. To verify these values, you could use the "dig" command or visit dnschecker.org.

  5. Configure HTTPS

    Configure SSL/TLS Certificate

    Read more about SSL.

    Before requesting an SSL certificate, ensure that your domain is activated. This means that:

    • For a regular (primary) or NS Delegation setup: Your NS records have been correctly updated at your registrar or parent domain.
    • For a CNAME Setup: Your provided CNAME record has been added to your DNS service.

    Once your domain is activated, you will see an Active badge in the header of the dashboard.

    Then, go to the SSL/TLS menu and the Edge Connection page to request an SSL certificate. Please allow approximately 30 minutes for the certificate to be generated.
    Read more about how to setup a free certificate.

    Also, you could use "BYOC" or bring your own certificate.
    Read more about how to bring your own certificate.

    Enabling HTTPS for Edge Connection

    Once your SSL certificate is generated, enable HTTPS for your Edge Connection to secure traffic between your users and our CDN.
    Read more about How to set up HTTPS for connections between your user and edge servers.

    Configuring the Connection Between Edge and Origin

    If your origin protocol is HTTPS, specify the type of connection between the Edge and your origin server. This can be configured on the Origin page under SSL/TLS or by editing each DNS record individually.

  6. Activate Cloud Icon

    Running the Smart Checker

    Use the Smart Checker tool to identify and fix any remaining configuration issues.
    Read more about Smart Checker.

    Verifying Website Loading

    Ensure that your website is loading correctly and that all DNS records are accurate.

    Enabling the Cloud Icon and Finalizing Setup

    After confirming that all configurations are correct, turn on the Cloud icon to activate CDN features.
    Read more about activating The Cloud Icon.

    WarningImportant: Enable the Cloud icon once setup is complete to take full advantage of our CDN features.
  7. Configure CDN Features for your requirements

    Finally, set up your cache configuration via the caching page or by defining specific page rules. You may also adjust your security settings as needed. Enjoy the performance boost and protection provided by VergeCloud!

Testing and Validation

To verify your configuration, you could use tools like "dig" or NSLookup. Follow these steps:

  1. Using the dig Command

    Open your terminal and run the following command:

    dig yourdomain.com

    This command returns the DNS records for your domain.

  2. Using NSLookup

    Alternatively, type the following command:

    nslookup yourdomain.com

    This will display your domain's DNS information.