Introduction

DNS (Domain Name System) management is a crucial aspect of ensuring the reliability, performance, and security of online services. Cloudflare offers a robust DNS management system that enables efficient and secure domain configuration. This document outlines the key features and best practices for managing DNS with Cloudflare.

Key Features of Cloudflare DNS

  • Fast Resolution: Cloudflare's global network ensures lightning-fast DNS resolution.

  • Built-in DDoS Protection: Automatic mitigation of DNS-based DDoS attacks.

  • Anycast Technology: Routes traffic to the nearest data center for improved performance.

  • Easy Management: Intuitive dashboard for adding, editing, and removing DNS records.

Prerequisites:

  1. Cloudflare Account

  2. Domain Registered with GoDaddy

    • Ensure you have access to your GoDaddy account.

  3. Access to Route 53 DNS Settings

    • Gather your existing DNS records from Route 53.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Add Your Domain to Cloudflare

  1. Log in to your Cloudflare account.

  2. Click on “Add a Site” and enter your domain name.

  3. Select a Cloudflare plan (Free, Pro, Business, or Enterprise).

  4. Click “Next”.

2. Scan Existing DNS Records

  1. Cloudflare will automatically scan the existing DNS records from Route 53.

  2. Verify that all DNS records (A, CNAME, MX, TXT, etc.) are accurately detected.

  3. If any records are missing, manually add them using the Route 53 DNS record details.

Example Record Table:

Type

Name

Value

TTL

A

example

192.0.2.1

Auto

CNAME

www

example.com

Auto

MX

@

mail.example.com (10)

Auto



3. Update Nameservers in GoDaddy

  1. After completing the DNS setup in Cloudflare, Cloudflare will provide two nameservers.

    • Example:

      • ns1.cloudflare.com

      • ns2.cloudflare.com

  2. Log in to your GoDaddy account.

  3. Navigate to My Domains > Manage DNS for your domain.

  4. Locate the Nameservers section and click “Change”.

  5. Select “Custom” and enter the Cloudflare nameservers.

  6. Save the changes.

4. Verify DNS Propagation

  1. Use a tool like DNS Checker to confirm that the nameserver changes have propagated globally.

  2. This process can take up to 24–48 hours.

5. Configure Additional Settings in Cloudflare

  1. Enable SSL/TLS:

    • Navigate to the SSL/TLS settings in Cloudflare.

    • Choose the desired mode (Flexible, Full, or Full (Strict)).

    • Recommended: Use Full (Strict) for maximum security.

  2. Optimize Performance:

    • Enable Caching for faster website loading.

    • Set up Page Rules if required.

  3. DNSSEC (Optional):

    • Enable DNSSEC for enhanced DNS security.

6. Disable DNS Management in Route 53

  1. Once Cloudflare DNS is active and verified, log in to your AWS Route 53 console.

  2. Remove the hosted zone for your domain to avoid confusion or mismanagement.