Checklist: Getting started with Managed DNS

Dedicating time every week to your migration will result in a seamless and timely transition from your current provider. As you prepare to migrate your DNS to NS1, use the checklist below to ensure a seamless transition.

#1 - Add users & teams to your NS1 account.

• If you don’t already have one, create an NS1 account via http://my.nsone.net. 
  
  NOTE
  We have a free-tier option for use of the service with no time restriction and a query limit of 500,000 queries per month. A credit card is required at signup to cover any overages. A small temporary pre-authorization charge will be placed on the credit card.
• Add new users and teams to your account, assigning the appropriate permissions.

#2 - Import DNS zones & records.

• Import your zones into NS1 by uploading a zone file, utilizing AXFR, or manually creating zones via the portal or API.
• Add records to the zone(s), as needed. Refer to this article to learn more about supported DNS record types.

#3 - Configure Filter Chain™ & monitors.

• Configure Filter Chains in the NS1 platform to implement advanced traffic routing techniques.
• Learn more about NS1’s wide range of monitoring capabilities—including manual failover, automated failover, and more advanced configurations using NS1 data feeds or load shedding.

#4 - Review the DNS configuration in NS1.

• Verify the configuration is accurate by reviewing the new configuration in NS1 against that within your previous DNS provider and testing your DNS records:
  • Are there the same number of zones and records configured with your current DNS provider as in the NS1 platform?
  • If you are using NS1 as a secondary provider, have you configured the AXFR transfer IP address at both your current provider and in NS1?
  • Have you verified your Filter Chain configurations? Monitors and data feeds?
  • Have you performed consistency checks to ensure your zones are at parity with your current DNS provider?

#5 - Delegate zones to NS1.

• Update your domain registrar with NS1 nameservers that will be authoritative for your domains. As a best practice, we recommend delegating low-traffic and non-production zones first before moving over your most critical production zones.