How to Set Up Custom Nameservers on a Linux VPS in Plesk

When you want your Linux VPS to use branded or private nameservers. This article explains how to set up custom nameservers on a Linux VPS in Plesk.

1. Whenever a new domain is added in Plesk, a default DNS zone for this newly added domain is created. This DNS zone can be seen under “Websites & Domains” – “domain.com” – “DNS Settings”. 

2. The DNS zone is created based on the DNS template available under “Tools & Settings - “General Settings” - “DNS Template”. 
This template has the name server settings along with all the other default DNS entries for internal services like webmail,ftp etc. 

3. If you want to use the same name servers say ns1.example.tld and ns2.example.tld for every domain in Plesk, it’s best to change the NS entries and IP addresses of your name servers in the DNS template at “Tools & Settings - “General Settings” - “DNS Template”. 

4. Registering the Custom Nameservers.
These are called Glue Records and it will be done at the registrar level of the domain. Each registrar will have a little different terminology and procedure, but what you need to do is create a host name on your domain name and assign an IP address to that host name.  A host name on a domain is the third level name.  An example of a host name is “ns1”.  Adding this to our domain name we will need to register “ns1.example.com” to the IP address of your server.

5. Update your domains to use the new nameservers you have set up.
The final step in creating your own nameservers is to start using them by correctly pointing your domain(s). Log in to your registrar and edit the assigned name servers so that it now points at your new nameserver names.
Please note that there will be a propagation delay of 24 to 48 for the changes to get reflected across the globe. So if the downtime is a critical issue for your domain we recommend you make this during a weekend or late at night when traffic is likely to be low.

6. Now your domain is pointing to your Plesk configured nameservers. You can use the DNS tools at Plesk interface to modify your zone files!