Tutorial / Cram Notes
Azure allows users to configure custom domain names for various services such as Azure Web Apps, Azure Blob Storage, Azure CDN, and more. By default, Azure services are accessible via subdomains of azurewebsites.net, blob.core.windows.net, etc. For a more professional appearance and branding, you’ll likely want to use a custom domain.
Prerequisites for Custom Domain Configuration
Before you start the process of mapping a custom domain to an Azure service, you need to ensure:
- You own a domain name from a domain registrar.
- You have access to DNS management for your domain.
- The Azure service you intend to link is properly set up.
Configuring a Custom Domain for Azure App Services
1. Add a Custom Domain in Azure
- Navigate to your App Service in the Azure Portal.
- Select ‘Custom domains’ from the left-hand menu.
- Click on ‘Add custom domain’ and then enter your domain name.
2. Update DNS Records
- Access your domain’s DNS management page from your registrar’s website.
- Add either a CNAME record or an A record, based on your preference or requirements.
- A CNAME record reroutes domain traffic to your Azure Web App domain name.
- An A record points your domain to the App Service’s IP address.
Here is an example of how the DNS record would look for a CNAME:
| Type | Host | Value | TTL |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNAME | www | yourapp.azurewebsites.net | 1 hr |
And if you were to use an A record:
| Type | Host | Value | TTL |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | @ | 123.456.78.90 | 1 hr |
“@” denotes the root domain, and “123.456.78.90” would be replaced with your Azure App’s IP address.
3. Validate the Domain
- Return to your Azure Portal and select ‘Custom domains’ in your App Service.
- Use the ‘Validate’ feature to verify your DNS record is set up properly and Azure can recognize it.
4. SSL Binding
- It is recommended to secure your custom domain with SSL/TLS.
- Go to ‘TLS/SSL settings’ in your App Service and either upload a certificate you own or purchase one through Azure.
- Once the certificate is obtained and uploaded, bind it to your custom domain.
Configuring a Custom Domain for Azure Storage Accounts
1. Register the Domain
- Same as for App Services, you must first register your custom domain within the storage account settings.
2. Update DNS Records
This time you will be adding a CNAME record that points to your blob service endpoint.
| Type | Host | Value | TTL |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNAME | www | yourstorageaccount.blob.core.windows.net | 1 hr |
3. Validate the Domain
- In the Azure Portal, go to ‘Custom domain’ under the Blob Service settings section of your storage account.
- Validate that the domain is configured correctly.
4. Azure CDN
- If you want to deliver content from your storage account through a CDN, you would use Azure CDN to map a custom domain and secure it with an SSL certificate.
- The process involves creating a CDN endpoint that points to your storage account and then adding a custom domain to that CDN endpoint.
Comparison of Methods
The two examples provided above follow a similar pattern of steps involving domain addition, DNS update, validation, and security, but they do differ in terms of their application.
| Configuration | Azure App Service | Azure Storage Account |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Setup in Azure | Custom domains | Custom domain |
| DNS Record Type | CNAME or A | CNAME |
| Validation Process | Validate feature | Manual validation |
| Direct Endpoint | app.azurewebsites.net | account.blob.core.windows.net |
| SSL/TLS Binding | TLS/SSL settings | Through Azure CDN |
Conclusion
Configuring custom domain names in Azure is crucial for establishing a professional online presence for your services. As an Azure Administrator, understanding the DNS records, the setup process, and SSL bindings is essential to perform these tasks successfully. By mastering these tasks for the AZ-104 exam, you ensure that you are well equipped to handle the responsibilities of an Azure Administrator.
Practice Test with Explanation
True or False: When configuring a custom domain name in Azure, you must own the domain name.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: To configure a custom domain name in Azure, you must be the owner of the domain name or have administrative rights to modify its DNS records.
Which DNS record type should you create to point your custom domain to an Azure App Service?
- A
- CNAME
- MX
- TXT
Answer: CNAME
Explanation: CNAME records are used to alias one domain name to another. For Azure App Service, CNAME is recommended for custom domains.
True or False: Azure Active Directory does not support adding custom domain names.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Azure Active Directory does support adding custom domain names, allowing you to use your corporate domain with Azure services.
When mapping a custom domain to an Azure Storage account’s blob service, which record type do you most likely need to use?
- A
- CNAME
- SRV
- PTR
Answer: CNAME
Explanation: A CNAME record should be used to map a custom domain to an Azure Storage account’s blob service endpoint.
True or False: You need an Azure subscription to configure a custom domain name for Azure services.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: An Azure subscription is required to access Azure services, including configuring custom domain names.
What is the purpose of an Azure DNS zone?
- To automate virtual machine scaling
- To provide DNS hosting for domains
- To manage virtual network security
- To configure load balancers
Answer: To provide DNS hosting for domains
Explanation: An Azure DNS zone is used to host the DNS records for a domain and provide DNS resolution for the domain’s services.
Which Azure service can provide SSL/TLS certificates to secure a custom domain?
- Azure App Service
- Azure Key Vault
- Azure Front Door
- Azure Application Gateway
Answer: Azure App Service
Explanation: Azure App Service can provide SSL/TLS certificates to secure a custom domain via the App Service Certificates feature or by uploading a manually acquired certificate.
True or False: It is mandatory to configure an A record to map a custom domain to an Azure service.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: While an A record maps a domain to an IP address and can be used for Azure services, a CNAME record can also be used to map to a domain name provided by Azure services, which is often preferred.
If you configure custom DNS settings for an Azure Virtual Network, what must you ensure for the custom domain to work properly?
- The virtual network must have a VPN gateway.
- The DNS servers must be able to resolve the custom domain.
- You must create a new Azure DNS private zone.
- Enable multi-factor authentication for the virtual network.
Answer: The DNS servers must be able to resolve the custom domain.
Explanation: If you configure custom DNS settings, it’s crucial that the DNS servers you specify can resolve the custom domain names you intend to use within that virtual network.
True or False: Azure DNS zones are required for every custom domain name used in Azure services.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Azure DNS zones are not strictly required; you can use external DNS hosting providers to configure DNS for your custom domains. Azure DNS is just one option available for DNS hosting.
What must you do before pointing a custom domain to an Azure service using a DNS record?
- Disable multi-factor authentication
- Configure the Azure service with the DNS name
- Purchase an SSL/TLS certificate
- None of the above
Answer: Configure the Azure service with the DNS name
Explanation: Before pointing a custom domain using a DNS record, you must first configure the Azure service with the DNS name so that the service can recognize and accept traffic for the domain.
True or False: The Azure portal provides a step-by-step guide during the custom domain configuration process for different Azure services.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: The Azure portal often provides a step-by-step guide or a wizard to help users configure custom domain names for various Azure services, making the process more user-friendly.
Interview Questions
What is a custom domain name?
A custom domain name is a domain name that you own that you can use to access your web application.
Why is using a custom domain name important?
Using a custom domain name can provide a more professional look and feel for your web application.
What is a domain registrar?
A domain registrar is a company that allows you to purchase domain names.
What are the steps to configure a custom domain name for your App Service in Azure?
The steps to configure a custom domain name for your App Service in Azure include purchasing a domain name, adding the custom domain name to your App Service, configuring SSL/TLS, and testing your custom domain name.
How do you add a custom domain name to your App Service in Azure?
You can add a custom domain name to your App Service in Azure by navigating to your App Service and selecting “Custom domains” from the left-hand menu, then clicking on the “Add hostname” button and entering your custom domain name.
How do you verify the domain name for your custom domain name?
You can verify the domain name for your custom domain name by adding a CNAME record to your domain registrar’s DNS settings.
How do you configure SSL/TLS for your custom domain name in Azure?
You can configure SSL/TLS for your custom domain name in Azure by using Azure’s built-in SSL/TLS certificate or by uploading your own certificate.
How can you test your custom domain name to ensure that it is working correctly?
You can test your custom domain name by browsing to it in a web browser and verifying that it is displaying your web application.
Can you use multiple custom domain names for your App Service in Azure?
Yes, you can use multiple custom domain names for your App Service in Azure.
What is a CNAME record?
A CNAME record is a type of DNS record that associates a domain name with another domain name.
Can you use a subdomain as a custom domain name for your App Service in Azure?
Yes, you can use a subdomain as a custom domain name for your App Service in Azure.
Can you use a custom SSL/TLS certificate for your custom domain name in Azure?
Yes, you can use a custom SSL/TLS certificate for your custom domain name in Azure.
What is SSL/TLS?
SSL/TLS is a protocol for securing data in transit.
Why is SSL/TLS important for a custom domain name in Azure?
SSL/TLS is important for a custom domain name in Azure because it ensures that your communication is secured with encryption.
What are the benefits of using a custom domain name for your App Service in Azure?
The benefits of using a custom domain name for your App Service in Azure include a more professional look and feel for your web application, increased visibility and appeal, and improved brand recognition.
Does anyone know if an SSL certificate is mandatory for configuring custom domain names in Azure?
Can someone guide me on setting up a custom domain name for an Azure App Service?
What’s the process for validating domain ownership in Azure?
Does anyone have a step-by-step guide for integrating a custom domain with Azure CDN?
Is a custom domain name configurable for Azure Blob Storage?
How long does it take for DNS changes to propagate when adding a new custom domain to Azure?
Thanks for the detailed information in the blog post!
This blog post really helped me understand custom domains better, appreciate it!