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So you have completed your domain name and launched the website, but you still have to wait at least 72 hours before it can go live? DNS Propagation is the reason behind this delay.
Your website can be visible to everyone on the Internet only after 72 hours. This propagation is directly related to Internet Service Providers (ISP), and the time it takes cannot be reduced or controlled.
DNS propagation is an essential process for your website, without which it can literally do nothing. So, you have no other option but to be patient and wait for this procedure to be completed.
DNS
DNS is the abbreviation for Domain Name Server. Buying any domain name from your domain registrar creates a master DNS record in their Domain Name Servers. And then, the registrar claims your web host’s DNS server as the supreme authority of your domain.
Now, if any computer wants to visit your website, it first enters the domain registration database to find the DNS authority of your page and then goes to your DNS provider’s server to get the IP address of your domain name. Finally, the computer is redirected to your IP, which is available on your web host’s servers, and sees your website.
DNS Propagation
To make surfing faster for users, ISPs cache all of their DNS records, and this storage part is known as ‘propagation’.
The first time you visit any website, the above-explained process will be done and recorded. Cache means ISPs read and display websites from their local database ― instead of going to the Internet whenever users want to visit that page. This method is the same as browsers save pages on your computer to speed up browsing but on a larger scale.
So, propagation’s goal is to boost web surfing in two ways: first, it shortens the browser's return time between requesting and getting an answer, and second, it lessens the traffic on the web, thus enabling it to work efficiently.
Propagation Time
Thus, the reason your website takes so much time after launch is propagation. Each ISP has an automated mechanism for updating and storing DNS records after fixed periods. So, until the ISP's cache is updated, it won't have your website.
Propagation time is not defined and can take a few hours to days, but 72 hours are considered a standard. No web hosting service or any other medium can mess with this process, so there is no scope for rushing.
Factors Affecting DNS Propagation:
TTL Settings
TTL (time to live) is the time period for which servers cache your DNS records information. For instance, if your TTL is set to one hour, the servers will reserve your DNS information for an hour and then return to the authoritative server for updated information. Shorter TTL settings guarantee quick propagation speed but increase the number of requests on your authoritative server. This results in delayed processing speed and increased burden on the website.
ISP (Internet Service Provider)
The ISP also plays a vital role in slowing down the propagation process. Your ISP stores DNS records for rapid browsing and low traffic on the web. However, some ISPs overlook TTL settings and revise cache records ― every two to three days. And they can't do anything until ISPs do not have the information.
Domain Name Registry
If you change name servers, a change request is sent to the registry, which publishes your new authoritative name server to its root zone. Some registries take no time, but others set high TTL settings for at least 48 to 72 hours to protect against overuse. Ideally, name servers shouldn’t be accumulated, but some ISPs do it anyway, ultimately adding to the propagation time.
Your website can be visible to everyone on the Internet only after 72 hours. This propagation is directly related to Internet Service Providers (ISP), and the time it takes cannot be reduced or controlled.
DNS propagation is an essential process for your website, without which it can literally do nothing. So, you have no other option but to be patient and wait for this procedure to be completed.
DNS
DNS is the abbreviation for Domain Name Server. Buying any domain name from your domain registrar creates a master DNS record in their Domain Name Servers. And then, the registrar claims your web host’s DNS server as the supreme authority of your domain.
Now, if any computer wants to visit your website, it first enters the domain registration database to find the DNS authority of your page and then goes to your DNS provider’s server to get the IP address of your domain name. Finally, the computer is redirected to your IP, which is available on your web host’s servers, and sees your website.
DNS Propagation
To make surfing faster for users, ISPs cache all of their DNS records, and this storage part is known as ‘propagation’.
The first time you visit any website, the above-explained process will be done and recorded. Cache means ISPs read and display websites from their local database ― instead of going to the Internet whenever users want to visit that page. This method is the same as browsers save pages on your computer to speed up browsing but on a larger scale.
So, propagation’s goal is to boost web surfing in two ways: first, it shortens the browser's return time between requesting and getting an answer, and second, it lessens the traffic on the web, thus enabling it to work efficiently.
Propagation Time
Thus, the reason your website takes so much time after launch is propagation. Each ISP has an automated mechanism for updating and storing DNS records after fixed periods. So, until the ISP's cache is updated, it won't have your website.
Propagation time is not defined and can take a few hours to days, but 72 hours are considered a standard. No web hosting service or any other medium can mess with this process, so there is no scope for rushing.
Factors Affecting DNS Propagation:
TTL Settings
TTL (time to live) is the time period for which servers cache your DNS records information. For instance, if your TTL is set to one hour, the servers will reserve your DNS information for an hour and then return to the authoritative server for updated information. Shorter TTL settings guarantee quick propagation speed but increase the number of requests on your authoritative server. This results in delayed processing speed and increased burden on the website.
ISP (Internet Service Provider)
The ISP also plays a vital role in slowing down the propagation process. Your ISP stores DNS records for rapid browsing and low traffic on the web. However, some ISPs overlook TTL settings and revise cache records ― every two to three days. And they can't do anything until ISPs do not have the information.
Domain Name Registry
If you change name servers, a change request is sent to the registry, which publishes your new authoritative name server to its root zone. Some registries take no time, but others set high TTL settings for at least 48 to 72 hours to protect against overuse. Ideally, name servers shouldn’t be accumulated, but some ISPs do it anyway, ultimately adding to the propagation time.