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    Setting Up Private Nameservers

    Create branded nameservers for your domain

    Table of Contents

    What are Private Nameservers?

    Private nameservers (also called custom nameservers or vanity nameservers) allow you to use nameservers branded with your own domain name instead of your hosting provider's nameservers.

    Example

    Instead of:

    • ns1.ramnode.com
    • ns2.ramnode.com

    You can use:

    • ns1.yourdomain.com
    • ns2.yourdomain.com

    Why Use Private Nameservers?

    • Branding - Professional appearance for resellers and agencies
    • White Label - Hide your hosting provider from clients
    • Consistency - Use same nameservers even if you change providers
    • Trust - Clients see your domain, not your host's

    Requirements

    To set up private nameservers, you need:

    • A registered domain name
    • At least 2 dedicated IP addresses (one for each nameserver)
    • Access to your domain registrar's control panel
    • A DNS server configured on your VPS

    Setup Process

    Step 1: Register Nameserver Hostnames

    At your domain registrar, register the nameserver hostnames and associate them with IP addresses.

    1. Log into your domain registrar's control panel
    2. Look for "Register Nameserver," "Private Nameservers," or "Glue Records"
    3. Create ns1.yourdomain.com → Your First IP Address
    4. Create ns2.yourdomain.com → Your Second IP Address

    Step 2: Set Up DNS Server Software

    On your VPS, install and configure DNS server software. Common options include:

    • BIND - Most widely used, powerful but complex
    • PowerDNS - Modern, easier to manage
    • cPanel/WHM - Includes built-in DNS management
    • Plesk - Also includes DNS management

    Step 3: Configure DNS Zones

    Once your DNS server is running, configure it to handle DNS queries for your domains. The exact configuration depends on your DNS software.

    Step 4: Update Domain Nameservers

    1. Go to your domain registrar
    2. Find the domain management or nameserver settings
    3. Change nameservers to your private nameservers
    4. Wait 24-48 hours for propagation

    Example with cPanel/WHM

    If you're using cPanel/WHM, the process is simplified:

    1. Register nameserver hostnames at your registrar (as above)
    2. Log into WHM
    3. Go to "Basic WHM Setup"
    4. Enter your primary and secondary nameservers
    5. WHM automatically handles DNS server configuration
    6. Update domain nameservers at registrar

    Common Registrars Instructions

    GoDaddy

    1. Log into GoDaddy account
    2. Go to "Domains" → Select your domain
    3. Scroll to "Additional Settings" → "Manage DNS"
    4. Click "Add" under "Host Names"
    5. Enter ns1 as hostname and your IP address
    6. Repeat for ns2

    Namecheap

    1. Log into Namecheap account
    2. Go to "Domain List" → Click "Manage"
    3. Go to "Advanced DNS"
    4. Scroll to "Personal DNS Server"
    5. Add ns1.yourdomain.com with IP address
    6. Add ns2.yourdomain.com with IP address

    Google Domains

    1. Log into Google Domains
    2. Select your domain
    3. Click "DNS" in the left menu
    4. Scroll to "Name servers"
    5. Click "Use custom name servers"
    6. First register glue records under "Resource records"

    Testing Your Setup

    After setup and propagation, test your private nameservers:

    # Check nameserver IP resolution
dig ns1.yourdomain.com
dig ns2.yourdomain.com

# Check if nameserver responds to queries
dig @ns1.yourdomain.com yourdomain.com

# Check from online tools
# Visit: https://www.whatsmydns.net/

    Troubleshooting

    Nameservers Not Resolving

    • Verify glue records are set correctly at registrar
    • Check that IP addresses are correct
    • Wait for DNS propagation (up to 48 hours)
    • Verify DNS server is running on your VPS

    DNS Queries Not Working

    • Check DNS server software is running
    • Verify firewall allows port 53 (TCP and UDP)
    • Check DNS zone configuration
    • Review DNS server logs for errors

    Important Notes

    • You need at least 2 nameservers for redundancy
    • Each nameserver should be on a different IP address
    • DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours
    • Make sure to backup DNS zones regularly
    • Monitor your DNS servers for availability

    Need Help?

    Setting up private nameservers can be complex. If you need assistance, open a support ticket at clientarea.ramnode.com. Our team can help guide you through the process.