Introduction
This guide covers the following two types of redirection:
1. Web redirection
Aliases: Web redirect, Web forwarding, URL forwarding, Domain forwarding, Domain pointer, 301 redirect, HTTP redirect, etc.
A web redirection allows to configure a redirection from one address to another address.
Note that the technical implementation of a web redirection relies on 2 aspects:
some DNS records
a web server
Hopefully, this complexity is often hidden via simple-to-use configuration screens provided by the DNS provider.
Due to the hybrid nature of the technical implementation of a web redirection, it is possible to split the configuration across two providers: one provider for the DNS records setup and another one for the Web server setup.
Most DNS providers also offer the web redirection feature. It allows to configure both DNS records and web redirections at the same provider, which is often more convenient than splitting the configuration on two providers.
It exists 3 types of web redirections:
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a 301 redirection (permanent redirection)
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a 302 redirection (temporary redirection)
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a hidden frame masked redirection
Basic offers may not offer all these types of redirections, as opposed to advanced offers.
A web redirection is required when the target resources in only accessible via an URL, such as a social media page for instance.
When the target resource is accessible via an IP address, the configuration should be made via a DNS A record-type instead of a web redirection.
When nameservers attached to a domain are replaced by new nameservers, any existing redirections are usually broken and must be manually recreated.
2. Email redirection
Aliases: Email redirect, Email forwarding, Forward-only email
A domain allows the creation of personalized email addresses. The domain is located after the @ in the address.
Once you have a domain in use, it is often best to create an email address, so that the promotion of both your website and email address is consistent.
It is even more important when professional services are promoted on the website.
With an email redirection, all emails sent to the email address are automatically forwarded to one or multiple existing email addresses.
This service can be provided under 2 versions:
alone, i.e. not requiring a mailbox
bundled with a mailbox
When a mailbox is also attached to the email address, emails can either be kept in the mailbox or removed from the mailbox.
Finally, some providers offer a catch-all redirection service. With such a service, all emails sent to a domain (*@example.com) are automatically redirected. This feature looks convenient at a first look, but it usually comes with a huge number of spams.
Along with a domain registration, some providers offer the email redirection feature for free. This feature is often limited to the redirection of one email address. Redirecting multiple email addresses usually requires to pay a fee.