Introducing Smart Redirect 2: The Evolution of Domain Forwarding

As for february, 2025 the Smart Domain Forwarder service has been officially retired and replaced by the more advanced, flexible, and user-friendly solution: Smart Redirect 2.

Why Smart Redirect 2?

Smart Redirect 2 is designed to provide an enhanced redirection experience, offering:

• Greater Flexibility – Configure redirections with more options tailored to your needs.

• Simplified Management – Set up and modify redirects effortlessly through an intuitive interface.

• Improved Performance – Faster and more reliable redirection for seamless user experience.

• Enhanced Control – Advanced settings for URL path handling and referral tracking.

Seamless Integration with DNS Management

Smart Redirect 2 is managed within the same user-friendly web interface used for our DNS services, ensuring a streamlined experience for domain administrators. To power this new service, we have introduced an exclusive, non-standard DNS record called the Web Redirect Record (WR Record).

This record type enables precise URL redirection, allowing users to efficiently manage domain forwarding without the limitations of traditional methods.

What is a Web Redirect Record? Easy URL Redirection Explained

A Web Redirect (WR) record, also known as a URL redirect or HTTP forwarding, enables seamless redirection of website traffic from one domain to another. For example, users attempting to visit http://yourdomain.com can be automatically redirected to http://anotherdomain.com. This technique ensures accessibility under multiple URLs and enhances user experience.

How Does a WR Record Look in DomainRegister DNS Control Panel?

In the Domainregister DNS Control Panel, a typical WR record setup appears as follows:

Why Use a Web Redirect Record?

Web Redirect Records are essential for various scenarios, including:

• Domain Consolidation – Direct multiple domains to a single website.

• SEO & Branding – Retain search engine rankings when changing domain names.

• Broken Link Prevention – Maintain functionality after moving web pages.

• Temporary or Permanent Redirection – Direct users to an alternate site when your main domain is unavailable.

• URL Shortening – Simplify long URLs for ease of sharing.

How to Create a Web Redirect Record?

To set up a WR record:

1. Navigate to your DNS Zone Management Page (Domains => DNS Management), and select the domain you want to manage.

2. Click on Add New Record.

3. Select Web Redirect as the record type.
   
   

4. Input the following details:

   • Type: Web Redirect

   • TTL: 1 Hour (or more: usually, the higher, the better)

   • Points to: http://anotherdomain.com

Types of Web Redirects

There are three primary types of web redirects:

301 Redirect (Permanent)

A 301 Redirect is a long-term redirect that informs search engines of a permanent URL change. It helps maintain SEO rankings and directs users to the new domain seamlessly.

302 Redirect (Temporary)

A 302 Redirect temporarily redirects users to a new URL while keeping the original URL indexed in search engines. This is useful for short-term campaigns or testing.

Redirect with Frame (URL Masking)

A Redirect with Frame, also called URL masking or cloaking, displays the target website while keeping the original domain name in the browser address bar. 

Save Path Option

With the Save Path option enabled, any subdirectory of the original URL (/path) will be retained during redirection. For example:

• Without Save Path: yourdomain.com/path1/path2/ → anotherdomain.com

• With Save Path: yourdomain.com/path1/path2/ → anotherdomain.com/path1/path2/

Using Variables in Web Redirects

Smart Redirect 2 allows dynamic URL redirection using variables:

• {*host*} = Full host (e.g., www.yourdomain.com)

• {*domain*} = Root domain (yourdomain.com)

• {*subdomain*} = Subdomain (your-name)

• {*wildcard*} = Host wildcard (your-name)

Examples:

1. Redirect with Referral Tracking

   • Host: www

   • Points to: http://{*domain*}/?ref={*host*}

   • Result: http://www.yourdomain.com → http://yourdomain.com/?ref=www.yourdomain.com

2. Affiliate Link Redirection

   • Host: ref-id-123

   • Points to: http://some-referral-site.net/?ref={*host*}

   • Result: http://ref-id-123.yourdomain.com → http://some-referral-site.net/?ref=ref-id-123.yourdomain.com

3. Dynamic Subdomain Forwarding

   • Host: your-name

   • Points to: http://some-referral-site.net/?ref={*subdomain*}

   • Result: http://your-name.yourdomain.com → http://some-referral-site.net/?ref=your-name

4. Wildcard Redirect

   • Host: *

   • Points to: http://{*wildcard*}.some-referral-site.net

   • Result: http://your-name.master-zone-test-202206011252.com → http://your-name.some-referral-site.net

Final Thoughts

Implementing Web Redirect Records ensures smooth navigation, enhances SEO rankings, and improves user experience. Whether you need to permanently redirect an old domain, manage temporary URL changes, or mask a URL, WR records provide a reliable solution.