Host Mapping

Your address is by default a LiveAgent subdomain. With host mapping it can be changed to a subdomain of your own domain. This modification has to be approved by your domain provider.

For example, your default support page URL address may be support.companyname.ladesk.com. Host mapping allows you to make the URL support.companyname.com.

Host mapping, at its core, involves the process of directing a domain name to a server’s IP address. This allows a domain name to be associated with a specific web server, enabling users to access websites using easy-to-remember domain names rather than numerical IP addresses. Host mapping is a fundamental aspect of the Domain Name System (DNS), which acts as the internet’s phone book, translating human-friendly domain names into machine-readable IP addresses.

Benefits of Host Mapping

Host mapping can also involve changing the URL of your help center by mapping a subdomain of your own domain to your default address. This feature allows companies to customize their URLs to reflect their brand identity, which is particularly valuable for:

• Maintaining a professional appearance - A custom domain URL looks more professional and trustworthy to customers
• Ensuring brand consistency - Your support page URL reflects your company name and brand
• Improving memorability - Customers can easily remember your support address
• Enhancing customer experience - A branded support URL creates a seamless experience for customers

Types of Host Mapping

There are several types of host mapping techniques used in DNS management:

A Records

A Records are DNS records that map domain names to IPv4 addresses, specifying the IP address of a host. They are one of the most fundamental DNS record types and are essential for directing traffic to your web server.

CNAME Records

CNAME Records (Canonical Name records) alias one domain name to another, allowing multiple domain names to point to the same IP address. CNAME records are particularly useful for host mapping as they enable you to point your custom domain to your LiveAgent subdomain without needing to manage separate IP addresses.

URL Redirects

URL Redirects involve redirecting a domain name to a different URL. This technique is often used in website migrations or rebranding efforts. URL redirects ensure that users accessing your old domain are automatically directed to your new domain.

How Host Mapping Works

The process of host mapping involves several steps:

1. Choose your custom domain - Decide which domain you want to use for your support page
2. Access your domain provider - Log into your domain registrar or DNS provider
3. Configure DNS records - Set up the appropriate DNS records (typically CNAME records) to point your custom domain to your LiveAgent subdomain
4. Verify the configuration - Test that your custom domain is properly mapped and accessible
5. Update your settings - Configure your LiveAgent account to recognize the new custom domain

Host Mapping and DNS

Host mapping is fundamentally connected to the Domain Name System (DNS). DNS acts as the internet’s phone book, translating human-friendly domain names into machine-readable IP addresses. When you implement host mapping:

• Your custom domain name is registered in DNS
• DNS records direct traffic from your custom domain to the appropriate server
• Users can access your support page using your branded URL
• The system maintains the connection between your domain name and the actual server IP address

Conclusion

Host mapping is a powerful tool for businesses looking to enhance their brand presence and customer experience. By customizing your support page URL to reflect your company name, you create a more professional and memorable experience for your customers. Whether you’re using A Records, CNAME Records, or URL Redirects, host mapping allows you to maintain complete control over your domain while leveraging the powerful features of LiveAgent’s help desk software.

With host mapping, your support page becomes an extension of your brand, reinforcing your company identity and building customer trust through a seamless, professional support experience.