To verify if a sending IP address matches the hostname specified in the Pointer (PTR) record, the core principle is to ensure Forward Confirmed reverse DNS (FCrDNS) is correctly configured. This involves verifying that the PTR record points to the domain/hostname, and the hostname resolves back to the original IP. This can be achieved using several methods. Online reverse DNS lookup tools like MXToolbox, EasyDMARC, DNSQueries, WhatIsMyIP, Wormly, IntoDNS and Namecheap provide easy checks. Command-line tools such as `dig` (e.g., `dig -x your_ip_address`) and `nslookup` (on Windows, `nslookup <IP_address>`) can also be used to query the IP address and retrieve the hostname. For Bash users, the `nmap` tool has a handy `fcrdns` script to automate this process. Expert advice suggests that a properly configured PTR record should match the corresponding A record, and every smarthost you have needs to have its own hostname, and you need to set up an A record from that hostname to the smarthosts IP address, and a PTR record from that IP address to the hostname. It's also noted that the actual hostname is typically found in the HELO or Received header, but this is not always guaranteed. When dealing with dedicated IPs (DIP), special attention should be paid to ensure manual DNS management doesn't lead to misconfigurations. After any creation or modification of PTR records, it's critical to check for proper propagation. Overall, the key is to confirm a matching, bi-directional resolution between IP and hostname to validate the PTR record configuration.
12 marketer opinions
To verify if a sending IP address matches the hostname specified in the PTR record, it's essential to ensure Forward Confirmed reverse DNS (FCrDNS) is correctly configured. This involves confirming that the PTR record points to the domain/hostname and that the hostname resolves back to the original IP. Several tools and methods can be employed, including online reverse DNS lookup tools like MXToolbox, EasyDMARC, DNSQueries, WhatIsMyIP, and Wormly. Command-line tools like `dig` and `nslookup` can also be used. For dedicated IPs, manual DNS management is common, making it crucial to verify settings. These tools return the hostname associated with a given IP, which should then be confirmed as matching the original IP. Bash users can leverage `nmap` with the `fcrdns` script for automated checks.
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Email marketer from Reddit explains to use `nslookup <ip_address>` in your terminal to perform a reverse DNS lookup. The output will show the hostname associated with the IP. Compare this hostname with the expected hostname.
24 Jan 2024 - Reddit
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Email marketer from DMARCly shares that to check if the sending IP matches the hostname in the PTR record, you need to perform a reverse DNS lookup. You can use online tools or command-line tools like `dig` or `nslookup` to query the IP address and retrieve the hostname. Then, verify that the hostname resolves back to the original IP address.
8 Aug 2022 - DMARCly
4 expert opinions
To verify if the sending IP address matches the hostname specified in the PTR record, the core process involves ensuring Forward Confirmed reverse DNS (FCrDNS). This means starting with the hostname, resolving it to an IP address, and then performing a reverse lookup on that IP to obtain a hostname, which should match the original hostname. Every smarthost needs its own hostname, an A record pointing to the IP, and a PTR record linking the IP back to the hostname. The hostname is typically found in the HELO or Received headers, but its presence isn't guaranteed. Online tools can also assist in confirming correct setup.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks shares that every smarthost you have needs to have its own hostname, and you need to set up an A record from that hostname to the smarthosts IP address, and a PTR record from that IP address to the hostname.
24 Dec 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that the core of checking is verifying that forward and reverse DNS match. This is known as Forward Confirmed reverse DNS, or FCrDNS. You can use online tools to help confirm this is setup correctly.
3 Nov 2023 - Word to the Wise
5 technical articles
To check if a sending IP address matches the hostname in the PTR record, various documentation sources recommend using online tools (e.g., IntoDNS, MXToolbox) and command-line utilities. The `dig` command (e.g., `dig -x your_ip_address`) can be used to retrieve the hostname associated with an IP. A properly configured PTR record should match the A record, verified by resolving the IP to a hostname and then resolving the hostname back to an IP address, ensuring the IPs match. For Windows servers, `nslookup <IP_address>` queries the PTR record and displays the hostname if configured correctly. It is essential to check PTR record propagation when created or modified, confirming the IP resolves to the correct hostname.
Technical article
Documentation from RFC Editor specifies that a properly configured PTR record should match the corresponding A record. To verify, first resolve the IP address to a hostname using reverse DNS. Then, resolve the hostname back to an IP address using forward DNS. The IPs should match.
5 Apr 2022 - RFC Editor
Technical article
Documentation from Cloudflare Support explains that when you create or modify a PTR record, you can use online tools to check propagation. Ensure the IP address resolves to the correct hostname.
27 May 2023 - Cloudflare Support
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