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Cloudflare CNAME DNS Setup

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT | Recorded: 2022-01-27 | Verify against current system state

Abstract

Tutorial on adding CNAME records to Cloudflare DNS for aanp.org. Demonstrates the process of searching for existing records, adding new CNAME records, and explains proxy settings limitations where certain records (like SendGrid) cannot be proxied through Cloudflare.

Key Procedures

  • Log into Cloudflare and navigate to aanp.org domain
  • Go to DNS tab
  • Search for existing record to avoid duplicates
  • Click "Add Record" and select CNAME type
  • Enter hostname (first part only, e.g., "em4926")
  • Enter target URL
  • Set proxy status (proxied vs DNS only)
  • Save record
  • Document in server environments spreadsheet (for SPF records)

Notable Statements

  • 0:00:56 "If there is an SPF entry, Jack has asked me to add that to the server environments document"
  • 0:01:17 "For C names, you just log into Cloudflare. You go to aamp.org, DNS"
  • 0:01:36 "It's actually pretty very scarily easy to do this"
  • 0:01:44 "Once you're in here, you're in the DNS tab, you just click add record"
  • 0:01:52 "If they wanted to hit em4926.amp.org, all you enter in is that piece"
  • 0:02:24 "I leave it as proxied unless I find out that it's causing problems"
  • 0:02:46 "You can't proxy it. Interesting. So because it's a C name, I guess you can't proxy it"
  • 0:03:05 "Every single SendGrid one we have can't be proxied"
  • 0:03:41 "This verify.bing.com can be proxied. I don't know what's going on there"

Systems & Configurations

Systems Mentioned

  • Cloudflare (DNS management)
  • SpiceWorks (ticket source)
  • SendGrid (email service - CNAME records)
  • Bing (verify records)

Specific Configurations

Item Value/Setting Timestamp Notes
Domain aanp.org 0:01:17 Primary domain
Record type CNAME 0:01:44 Most common addition
Proxy default Proxied 0:02:24 Unless causes problems
SendGrid records Cannot be proxied 0:03:05 DNS only required
Bing verify Can be proxied 0:03:41 Inconsistent behavior

Credentials/Access Mentioned

  • Cloudflare admin access

Vendor Contacts Mentioned

  • Jack (requested SPF documentation)

Errors & Troubleshooting

  • Issue: Cannot proxy CNAME record
  • Cause: Certain record types/targets require DNS-only
  • Resolution: Uncheck proxy setting before save
  • Timestamp: 0:02:46

Transcript Gaps & Quality Notes

  • Training video for Aaron (5 minutes)
  • Screen sharing of Cloudflare not captured
  • Server environments spreadsheet location mentioned
  • Multiple CNAME additions in single session