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What is DNS Propagation?

The time it takes for DNS record changes to spread across all DNS servers worldwide, typically taking up to 48 hours.

When DNS records are updated, the changes must propagate through the global DNS system. Each DNS server caches records for the duration of their TTL (Time To Live). Until the old cached records expire, some users may see old values.

Propagation time depends on the TTL value — lower TTL means faster propagation but more DNS queries. Before making critical changes, reduce TTL in advance. Tools like whatsmydns.org check propagation status globally.

Related Terms

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A protocol that maps IP addresses to physical MAC addresses on a local network segment.
Anycast
A network routing technique where the same IP address is announced from multiple locations, directing users to the nearest server.
Load Balancer
A device or software that distributes network traffic across multiple servers to ensure reliability and performance.
SDN (Software-Defined Networking)
An approach that separates the network control plane from the data plane, enabling centralized, programmable network management.
Network ACL
A set of rules that control inbound and outbound traffic at the subnet level, acting as a stateless firewall in cloud and enterprise networks.
Proxy Server
An intermediary server that forwards requests between clients and destination servers, providing caching, filtering, or anonymity.
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