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A Microsoft 365 administrator is configuring email routing for a new custom domain, 'contoso.net'. The organization requires that all incoming emails for 'contoso.net' be directed to Exchange Online. Which type of DNS record must the administrator create and configure with the correct value provided by Microsoft 365 for proper email delivery?
- ACNAME record
- BA record
- CTXT record
- DMX record
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. MX record
An MX (Mail Exchanger) record is a type of DNS record that specifies the mail server responsible for accepting email messages on behalf of a recipient's domain. To direct incoming emails for 'contoso.net' to Exchange Online, the administrator must configure the MX record with the value provided by Microsoft 365 (typically a value ending in .mail.protection.outlook.com).
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A CNAME record creates an alias for a domain name, used for various services but not directly for primary email routing.
- B. An A record maps a domain name to an IP address, primarily for website access.
- C. A TXT record is used for various text-based information, such as SPF or domain verification, but not for direct email routing.
DNS MX Record for Email Routing
A DNS MX (Mail Exchanger) record is essential for email delivery. It tells other mail servers where to send emails for a specific domain. For Microsoft 365, the MX record points to Exchange Online's mail servers.
- Specifies the mail server responsible for a domain.
- Required for receiving emails in Exchange Online.
- Must be configured with a specific value provided by Microsoft 365 (e.g., contoso-net.mail.protection.outlook.com).
- Includes a priority number, typically 0 or 10, for primary mail servers.
Memory trick: Mail eXchanger (MX) knows exactly where to send your email next.