In a nut-shell – the DNS network is a global service for pointing text based URLs at server IP addresses. There are many different ways this can be achieved – but in my experience there are 3 methods which will meet our needs in most cases.
The first method is to set our own server up as a DNS server and delegate subdomains to at least 2 of our assigned public IP addresses. The domain name for our website is then pointed at these nameserver subdomains at the registrar. Our server becomes the start of authority (SOA) for the domain name and the settings on our server are automatically propagated across the global DNS network.
This method is very effective in situations when perhaps the domain registrar does not provide DNS services. However, it requires 2 IP addresses which is often not possible and by definition the DNS servers should be geographically dispersed to provide redundancy. However, CWP is equipped with an integrated DNS server which can be configured in this way if needed.
The second method is to use a 3rd party DNS server – which the domain name can be pointed to – at the registrar. In this instance the DNS settings are managed using the 3rd party system and the domain can be pointed at our server or delegated into subdomains pointed at our server additionally.
Again this method works well when when the domain registrar does not provide a DNS service and should be comprised of a number of geographically dispersed servers. Again CWP is equipped with a link to the FreeDNS service which is a 3rd party system which achieves exactly what we need free of charge.
For training purposes – I recommend you setup some domains/subdomains using the above method. However, in a modern world DNS does not need to be complex as in most cases your registrar will have an integrated DNS server enabling the DNS settings to be managed at the registrar.
Providers such as 123-reg and Enom have integrated DNS servers, although in most cases there will be an option for deselection of the integrated DNS server system enabling the domain to be pointed at DNS servers of your choosing.