This guide explains the difference between the terms synonym and alias in the context of the Domain Name service offered by Infomaniak.

Introduction

• Refer to this other guide to add a domain as a synonym (or to disassociate it).
• Understand the difference between domains and DNS zones

Synonym domain / Alias domain

Synonym domains (domains that are entirely dependent on the main domain, without their own DNS configuration) and alias domains (independent domains, with their own DNS configuration) can both be used as secondary domains associated with a main domain.

For example, the domains pomme.xyz (alias) and banane.xyz (synonym) can redirect to a common main domain such as fruits.xyz.

Here is the technical distinction to remember:

• The synonym (also called a “linked domain” or “DNS mirror”) directly uses the DNS servers of the main domain. It does not have its own DNS zone.
• The alias (also called an “autonomous redirected domain” or “DNS alias”) has its own DNS records (independent DNS zone), although it points to the same hosting or the same services.