Can I set reverse DNS without using Linode's DNS Service?

The domain doesn't have to be pointed at Linode's DNS servers; indeed, it doesn't make a difference at all. Simply add an A record pointing at the IP in question and you'll be able to set up a PTR.

Hi,

That's quite true. In fact, before I switched my own domains over to Linode, I used my registrar's name servers. The only reason I switched name servers is because Linode supports IPV6 AAA records, my current registrar doesn't. If you want to set reverse DNS for your Linode's IPV6 address, you'll want to make sure your registrar supports AAA records.

Blake

@hoopycat:

Simply add an A record pointing at the IP in question and you'll be able to set up a PTR.
Huh?

I thought PTR's had to be delegated by the IP's owner.

@vonskippy:

I thought PTR's had to be delegated by the IP's owner.

Linode PTR records (for the OP, that's what makes reverse DNS happen) are served by Linode in 100% of cases. But the user can manage their forward DNS records (A, AAAA, etc) with Linode or their registrar or via their own DNS servers or whatever. As long as their authoritative servers for the domain serve an A or AAAA record pointing the hostname to the Linode's IP, they can configure reverse DNS in the Linode Manager for that IP/hostname combo.

• Les

You set the A record to your IP address using whatever DNS provider you like (or even run it yourself; that's what I do). Then from the control panel you can set the rDNS to this value; the control panel verifies the A record exists so you can't just pick "a.host.example.com"; you must have set the A record first, thus verifying the value you're trying to set is valid.

Ah! thanks for the info.

//rainbow with the "more you know" swoosh here//

ok thank you everyone, as I expected then, but good to have the reassurance. Still learning more every day!