What is propagation for your DNS server?
Registration of a new domain name or changes to the DNS servers for an existing domain name requires an update to the information stored in name servers across the Internet.
This update process is called propagation and occurs when domain name servers (DNS) on the Internet world-wide update their records (DNS tables) to reflect any updates to domain names and IP addresses. For more information on DNS, click on the link.
If you move your domain from one host to another, you will receive a new IP address for the domain. The DNS of your new host will be updated with the location of that IP address.
All other DNS Servers in the world then need to be updated with the new location. The DNS Servers of different hosts update at varying intervals - anywhere between 1 hour and 1 week.
The time taken between the initial change being made and all the world's DNS Servers being updated with the new information is called "Propagation".
It comes from the original meaning of the word propagation - "The process of spreading to a larger area or greater number".
How long does propagation take?
It generally takes 24-48 hours to propagate, but can take up to a week.
During propagation, the traffic is decreasing at the old location at the same rate it is increasing at the new location.
It is up to the ISP how often it updates its DNS, and we update ours every 3 hours.
Unless every ISP updated more often then nothing can be done to speed up the propagation process.
If you require more information on propagation fill out the online form here or you can ring up to ask any question you like on 0800 458 4545.
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For more information on how your DNS server request is fulfilled click on the link.
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