Smart Checker

Overview

VergeCloud Smart Checker is designed to give you a simple and reliable way to review the most important parts of your domain setup. Instead of digging through technical panels or trying to interpret complex DNS outputs, the Smart Checker presents everything in a clear format. It helps you confirm whether your DNS records, SSL settings, and traffic routing are all configured correctly. Since it quietly evaluates several connection parameters in the background, it becomes much easier to notice mistakes before they affect the speed, reliability, or security of your website. Whether you are new to DNS or have worked with it for years, this tool gives you a quick snapshot of your domain health without overwhelming you with technical details.

1. Domain Activation Status

Before any VergeCloud service can work properly, your domain needs to be activated using the correct DNS settings. This activation step is what allows VergeCloud to optimize your content, secure your server, and provide accurate reporting. There are two common ways to activate your domain, and the method you choose depends on how much control you want over your DNS.

The recommended and most complete option is to switch your domain to VergeCloud Name Servers. You simply log in to your domain registrar and replace your current Name Servers with the ones displayed in your VergeCloud dashboard. Once you save these changes and they propagate, VergeCloud can fully manage your DNS environment. This enables several benefits such as automated SSL certificates, faster propagation for record changes, and complete integration with the Smart Checker tool.

The second method is CNAME based forwarding. Using this option, you keep your existing Name Servers and modify only one DNS record so that your domain routes through the VergeCloud network. This option is commonly preferred by users who want CDN and security services but still wish to retain partial control over their DNS records. Both methods work, but the Name Server approach provides deeper protection and easier management.

To confirm that the Name Servers have been updated correctly, you can run a simple command:

Command : nslookup yourdomain.com

Expected Output Example:

Name: yourdomain.com

Address: 51.242.150.253

Address: 51.242.151.253

Or, for more details: dig yourdomain.com

2. Root DNS Record (@)

Enable the Cloud Icon for this record. When the Cloud Icon is active, all user traffic is routed through VergeCloud edge servers, allowing the CDN to accelerate your content and protect your origin server from exposure. Once enabled, a dig lookup will show VergeCloud IP addresses instead of your origin server. This is an important security benefit, because revealing your origin IP publicly can make your server vulnerable to direct attacks.

If the Cloud Icon is disabled, the lookup will show your actual server IP instead, meaning traffic will bypass VergeCloud entirely.

Example (Cloud Icon Enabled): dig example.com

Result:

example.com. IN A 51.242.150.253

example.com. IN A 51.242.150.253

When enabled, VergeCloud’s IPs are displayed, keeping your origin IP hidden

3. DNS Record for www

The www record directs traffic from the www version of your site. It can be configured as an A, ANAME, CNAME, or AAAA record depending on your setup. The process is similar to the root record and it is essential to enable the Cloud Icon here as well. This ensures that both your root domain and the www version benefit from VergeCloud acceleration and security.

Example : www.example.com

Result:

www.example.com. IN A 51.242.150.253

www.example.com. IN A 51.241.151.253

4. MX Record (Email)

If you use email services on your domain, an MX record must be configured correctly. This record directs incoming email to your mail provider. MX records always point directly to your mail server and should never be routed through a CDN. For this reason, the Cloud Icon remains disabled by default for MX records. As long as your MX entry points to the right hostname and that hostname resolves correctly, your email services will work without any issues.

5. SSL Certificate Activation

VergeCloud automatically issues a free SSL certificate as soon as your Name Server setup is complete. Once your domain is fully active on VergeCloud, you can open the HTTPS Settings section in your dashboard to check whether the certificate has been installed. Enabling VergeCloud SSL ensures that users always connect through secure HTTPS, with encrypted communication between the user and the edge server.

6. Cloud Icon Functionality

The Cloud Icon is a simple indicator that tells you whether the VergeCloud proxy is active. When the icon is enabled, your traffic goes through VergeCloud for caching, acceleration, and protection. When it is disabled, traffic goes straight to your origin server without any CDN benefits.

7. Testing & Validation

Use these quick checks to ensure everything is working correctly:

Tool	Purpose	Example
nslookup	Check Name Server configuration	nslookup yourdomain.com
dig	View DNS record details	dig yourdomain.com
curl	Test SSL and CDN response	curl -I https://yourdomain.com

API Reference

You can also manage DNS records using VergeCloud’s API.

Add a DNS Record via API:

curl -X POST "https://api.vergecloud.com/v1/dns-records" \

-H "Authorization: Bearer your-api-key" \

-H "Content-Type: application/json" \

-d '{

  "type": "A",

  "name": "@",

  "content": "your-server-ip",

  "proxied": true

}'

Key Takeaways

1. Replace your Name Servers with VergeCloud Name Servers for complete activation.
   
2. Enable the Cloud Icon so your traffic is routed correctly through VergeCloud.
   
3. Activate SSL to secure your domain with encrypted connections.
   
4. Use Smart Checker often to confirm that your setup is correct and to identify issues before they affect your visitors.
   

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