A PTR (pointer) record is a kind of DNS record that connects an IP address to a domain or hostname. It is such a critical DNS record type that anyone working in this field should be familiar with it. And if you are that person, you came to the correct location. So let’s go over it in more detail.
Meaning of the PTR record
A PTR record is the inverse equivalent of an A record. The PTR record translates an IP address to a hostname, whereas the A record does the opposite. As a result, the Pointer record ensures that your IP address is properly connected to your host.
You must configure the Pointer record if you use both internal and external mail servers. This record increases the reliability of sending servers by allowing the receiving end to verify the hostname associated with your IP address. In addition, it’s an excellent strategy for protecting yourself from various types of spammers.
Primary functions of PTR Record
Reverse DNS lookups employ these records to identify whether a host is contacting another host on behalf of a sender. These records can be highly helpful for anti-spam, email delivery difficulties, email server validation, and outgoing mail validation.
The primary applications for PTR records are listed below.
- Email servers can make use of them to validate incoming mail and decide whether or not it needs to be distributed. This is especially helpful if your business has several servers and you need to know which emails should go to which servers.
- If you are operating an email marketing campaign, this will help verify that only real email addresses are being sent out and not spam messages. Outgoing mail systems use these records to validate outgoing emails before they are sent off.
- Reverse DNS lookups, which anti-spam providers frequently use to help detect spam email addresses, make use of them. A PTR record will specifically return the server’s IP address where the domain name resolves. Anti-spam service providers may find this helpful in determining whether an email address is actual or not.
FAQ
Do PTR records need to be kept?
No, having a PTR record is not required. However, to prevent your messages from being marked as spam or wholly rejected by third-party software, such as email clients, it is advised that you include PTR records.
Are PTR records generated automatically?
Your PTR records are automatically produced if your DNS host uses Dynamic DNS. If not, you will need to create your PTR records manually.
How much time does a PTR record propagate?
The propagation of PTR records is not timed. Instead, it is based on the DNS Record’s TTL setting.
Conclusion
Let us summarize everything from the top. A PTR record functions the opposite of how the DNS A record does, which is to link IP addresses to domain names. In addition, this is the principal function of the DNS. A PTR record is occasionally referred to as a Reverse DNS Record due to its role. It primarily serves administrative purposes by demonstrating that an IP address is associated with a specific domain.