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What is DNS?

DNS is the internet's phone book. It turns names humans remember into numbers computers use.

Example without jargon

You want to open Saxon's docs:

  1. You type docs.saxobroko.com in the browser.
  2. DNS looks up that name.
  3. DNS returns an address where the site lives (Cloudflare's computers for docs).
  4. Your browser connects and shows the page.

You never need to memorise the numbers — DNS hides them.

Real names in Saxon's setup

Name you type What DNS points to (simple)
docs.saxobroko.com Cloudflare Pages (this docs site)
vault.saxobroko.com Through Cloudflare Tunnel → TrueNAS at home
dsm.saxobroko.com Same tunnel → TrueNAS web UI
saxobroko.com Cloudflare Pages (homepage)

Full list: All important URLs.

Who runs Saxon's DNS?

Cloudflare holds the DNS records for saxobroko.com. Saxon bought/uses the domain there. See What is Cloudflare?.

DNS vs website vs server

Term Meaning
DNS Lookup — "where does this name go?"
Website Pages you see
Server Computer that stores or builds those pages

For docs, the "server" is Cloudflare's network. For Jellyfin, the server is the TrueNAS box at home.

Step-by-step: what happens when you open vault.saxobroko.com

  1. Browser asks DNS: "Where is vault.saxobroko.com?"
  2. DNS answers: "Go to Cloudflare."
  3. Cloudflare applies security rules (Australia check, etc.).
  4. Cloudflare Tunnel sends traffic to Saxon's TrueNAS (192.168.2.203).
  5. Vaultwarden app shows the password login screen.

CGNAT

Saxon's home internet could not receive visitors directly. DNS sends people to Cloudflare, and a tunnel carries traffic home — see Glossary — Tunnel.

If this goes wrong

"DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN" or "name not found"

  • The name does not exist or DNS is broken. Check spelling. If all saxobroko.com sites fail, Cloudflare or domain billing may need Ryan's attention.

Site resolves but times out

Wrong site appears

  • Rare. Clear browser cache or try another device. DNS cache can be stale.