Domain Name Server (DNS) Hosting

A domain name server (DNS) is a machine which translates 'domain names' (e.g. www.ucalgary.ca) into a numeric 'IP address' (e.g. 136.159.34.118).

All machines on the internet MUST have at least one IP address and each IP address MAY have one or more domain names. The domain name is used for most purposes, because it is easier to remember and it gives the machine administrator the flexibility to move the machine to different networks without affecting end users.

IT automatically provides a generic domain name for all on-campus IP addreses. For example pc64-123.ucalgary.ca is the domain name given to IP address 136.159.123.64.

You may want a more descriptive domain name for a particular IP address. These can end in .ucalgary.ca (for example www.biophysics.ucalgary.ca), or not (for example clrc.org). Fees may apply depending on the situation. See below for details.

Note that servers may only be connected to campus networks for the purposes of teaching, research, and administration. See the IT Computing Policy.

For more information, contact the UCIT Support Centre.

Domain names ending in .ucalgary.ca

IT routinely hosts domain names ending in ucalgary.ca in their DNS. If the DNS entry is for the single official Web site for a University faculty or department (e.g. www.med.ucalgary.ca, phas.ucalgary.ca) then DNS hosting is free, otherwise a one-time $50 setup fee will be charged.

Please make your DNS update requests via the Web-based DNS Hosting Request Form.

If the domain name is for a Web site to be hosted on Information Technologies' webservers, please see the Customized Web Domain Names page for more information.

The administration of some ucalgary.ca subdomains, for example mgmt.ucalgary.ca and cpsc.ucalgary.ca, have been delegated to departments outside of IT. Contact the appropriate subdomain administrator for policies and fees for using those subdomains.

Domain names not ending in .ucalgary.ca

For domain names not ending in ucalgary.ca, for example www.auditoryresearch.org, you have three choices:

1. Use IT's DNS. There is a one time $50 setup fee for this service. If you wish to proceed please use the DNS Hosting Request Form.
2. Use a commercial service. Domain registrars (the people from whom you bought the domain name) usually offer DNS hosting services. Prices vary.
3. Run your own pair of DNS servers. Not recommended.

If you choose to use IT's DNS you must inform the domain registrar of this so that they can configure things properly. Information Technologies cannot do this on your behalf. The information you will need is:

If your machine is not in the ucalgary.ca domain and it is not located on a campus network, then you may not use IT's DNS to host your domain. You must use a commercial domain hosting services or operate your own DNS.