Information Technology Services University of Arkansas
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DNS: Name Request

Domain Name System (DNS) aliases are commonly assigned and then referenced in place of knowing the IP address of a system. For example, when you enter the URL http://www.uark.edu into a web browser, the browser actually looks up the DNS name, and then goes to the IP address 130.184.5.11.

IT Services manages both the traditional IP assignment networks and the Network Registration System (NRS) at the university. Following are some situations where DNS names are commonly used and how to acquire them.

Hosted Websites

A Vanity DNS is a specialized or individualized name used in the URL, such as mydepartment.uark.edu. To request a vanity DNS address for a university hosted website, submit the Website DNS Request form. Vanity DNS is offered to university departments, but is not available for Registered Student Organization sites.

Note: Some university hosting services allow DNS name request for your website as part of the web hosting request process. Other hosting services will require that you set up the hosting before submitting a domain name request.

Workstations and Printers

A DNS alias for a desktop system can simplify working remotely by making the name easier to remember. An alias is also useful if you are on an IP network where the IP numbers change periodically.

IT Services strongly recommends that all printers be referenced by DNS alias rather than a direct IP address. This is critical on networks using the Network Registration System.

To request a domain name please reference the Network Subnets. If your building lists "New System" under Network Registration System, follow the instructions below for "New DHCP System." If not, follow the instructions for "Old DHCP System."

New DHCP System DNS Request

Before you request a DNS entry in the new Network Registration System, please note that all entries in the new system automatically have preassigned DNS entries. View the hosts registered to you and their preassigned DNS entries at Network Registration. If you wish to request a vanity DNS name:

  1. Search for the host.

  2. Check the box next to the entry.

  3. Click Request DNS.

Old DHCP System DNS Request

Log in and complete the Domain Name Registration form.

Change Existing Domain Names

To change a DNS destination or transfer an existing domain name to a new device, submit an AskIT case with the subject "requesting a domain name transfer," and including the following information:

  1. The MAC address of the device for which you are requesting a domain name transfer

  2. The MAC address of the device you are transferring to the domain

Other DNS Requests

For all other DNS requests, submit an AskIT case.

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