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DNS Configuration (Business License)

This guide explains how to configure DNS for your WhautoChat deployment, enabling you to use a custom domain and improve security with best practices.

Why Use Cloudflare?​

We highly recommend using Cloudflare as your DNS provider. Cloudflare offers security features at the DNS level, acts as a reverse proxy to hide your server's real IP, and makes it easy to install rate limiting rules and a Web Application Firewall (WAF) on your domain. This setup helps keep bad actors away and protects your deployment from attacks.

  • Enable TLS for DNS-to-internet security. SSL certificates (via Let's Encrypt) will be installed during the application installation step.
  • Highly recommend a WAF between your server and end user for additional protection. Cloudflare makes this easy to configure.

Required DNS Records​

Before installing WhautoChat, you must create the following 4 DNS records:

TypeNameValue (Points to)Purpose
Acore.yourcompany.com[Your Server Public IP]Backend core API
Aws.yourcompany.com[Your Server Public IP]Websocket server
Aapp.yourcompany.com[Your Server Public IP]Main app for end users
Alive.yourcompany.com[Your Server Public IP]LiveChat for website visitors
  • Replace [Your Server Public IP] with the actual IP address of your cloud instance.

Step 1: Choose Your Domain​

  • Decide on the domain or subdomain (e.g., chat.yourcompany.com) you want to use for your WhautoChat instance.
  • Register your domain with a reputable provider if you haven’t already.

Step 2: Update DNS Records​

  • Log in to your DNS provider’s dashboard (e.g., Cloudflare, GoDaddy, Namecheap, AWS Route 53).
  • Create or update the records listed above.

Step 3: Propagate DNS Changes​

  • DNS changes can take up to 24 hours to propagate, but often update within an hour.
  • Use tools like whatsmydns.net to check propagation.
  • Enable TLS at the DNS provider level (e.g., Cloudflare Full SSL).
  • SSL certificates for your domains will be automatically installed using Let's Encrypt during the application installation steps.
  • This ensures all traffic to your WhautoChat instance is encrypted.

Step 5: Security Best Practices​

  • Use a reputable DNS provider with DDoS protection (e.g., Cloudflare).
  • Install rate limiting rules and a WAF on your domain.
  • Enable DNSSEC if available.
  • Regularly review and restrict DNS record access.

Optional: Advanced DNS Setup​

  • For multi-region or high-availability deployments, consider using DNS load balancing or failover features.
  • Set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records if you plan to send emails from your domain.

Need more help? Refer to your DNS provider’s documentation or contact your IT administrator.