> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.zonely.gen.tr/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Network Connection Settings

> This guide explains how to configure DNS and protection settings to ensure optimal performance when using Zonely.

To make your website work correctly, your domain (for example, `example.com`) must be connected to Zonely. You can do this using a DNS management service such as Cloudflare, which makes the process easy and secure.

This guide will show you step by step how to point your domain and configure Zonely properly.

<Tip>
  Cloudflare is an ideal option for connecting your domain safely and easily.
</Tip>

### Why Use Cloudflare?

* **Easy setup:** Cloudflare lets you configure domain redirection without complex settings.
* **Faster loading:** Visitors worldwide experience faster page loading through Cloudflare’s CDN.
* **Protection against attacks:** Cloudflare blocks harmful or excessive traffic to prevent downtime.
* **Secure connection:** Cloudflare enables HTTPS, encrypting all site data and showing the lock icon in browsers.
* **Visitor analytics:** Track who visits your site and from where.
* **Free plan:** Most Cloudflare features are free, making it perfect for beginners.

### Pointing Your Domain via Cloudflare

Cloudflare helps improve your site’s speed and security. Follow these steps to connect your domain through Cloudflare.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Sign Up for Cloudflare">
    Go to [cloudflare.com](http://cloudflare.com) and click **Sign Up**. Enter your email, create a password, and register for a free account.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Your Domain">
    After creating your account, click **Add a Site** and enter your domain (for example, `example.com`). Follow the on-screen steps.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Change Name Servers">
    Cloudflare will provide two name servers. Enter these in your domain registrar’s control panel. This transfers DNS control to Cloudflare.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure DNS Settings">
    Once name servers are updated, adjust DNS records in the Cloudflare dashboard:

    * **A Record (Root Domain):**
      * Type: A
      * Name: @
      * Value: Your server’s IP address
    * **CNAME Record (www Redirect):**
      * Type: CNAME
      * Name: www
      * Value: `example.com`
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify Activation">
    When setup is complete, your domain will appear as **Active** in Cloudflare. This confirms everything works correctly. Your site will now load faster and more securely.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Cloudflare WAF Settings (Firewall)

Cloudflare’s **WAF (Web Application Firewall)** not only speeds up your site but also protects it by automatically blocking malicious traffic such as SQL injection or XSS attacks.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Log In to Cloudflare Dashboard">
    Go to [dash.cloudflare.com](https://dash.cloudflare.com) and sign in.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Your Domain">
    Choose the domain you want to protect.

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/zonely-a8cd49e7/X2ISxdGjFwrTSWOa/images/image.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=X2ISxdGjFwrTSWOa&q=85&s=327d58b14f11b5b40ff37c40fbc9897d" alt="image.png" width="861" height="787" data-path="images/image.png" />
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the 'Security' Tab">
    From the side menu, select **Security**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Firewall Rules">
    You can manually create **Firewall Rules** to limit traffic from specific countries, IPs, or high-threat requests.

    **Steps:**

    * Go to **Security > WAF > Custom Rules**
    * Click **Create rule**
    * Name it (example: `Block Foreign Traffic`)
    * Conditions:
      * Field: `Country`
      * Operator: `does not equal`
      * Value: `Turkey`
    * Choose an action: `Block` or `JS Challenge (Captcha)`

          <img src="https://mintcdn.com/zonely-a8cd49e7/X2ISxdGjFwrTSWOa/images/image(39).png?fit=max&auto=format&n=X2ISxdGjFwrTSWOa&q=85&s=3f27c21de389f1af7706e5ba79cba4c8" alt="image (39).png" width="1178" height="633" data-path="images/image(39).png" />
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable Bot Protection">
    Cloudflare’s **Bot Fight Mode** blocks most malicious bots before they reach your site.

    **Steps:**

    * Go to **Security > Bots**
    * Enable **Bot Fight Mode**

          <img src="https://mintcdn.com/zonely-a8cd49e7/X2ISxdGjFwrTSWOa/images/image(40).png?fit=max&auto=format&n=X2ISxdGjFwrTSWOa&q=85&s=5e0625dc1f5cebdd60bd7c919f5bb95f" alt="image (40).png" width="1167" height="224" data-path="images/image(40).png" />
  </Step>

  <Step title="DDoS Protection">
    Cloudflare automatically shields your site from DDoS attacks by filtering harmful traffic. No manual activation is needed.

    **Instructions:**

    * Select your domain
    * Go to **Security > DDoS**
    * Review protection summaries and past incidents.

          <img src="https://mintcdn.com/zonely-a8cd49e7/X2ISxdGjFwrTSWOa/images/image(41).png?fit=max&auto=format&n=X2ISxdGjFwrTSWOa&q=85&s=3c269d504352008caf68a31b1aaadd87" alt="image (41).png" width="1179" height="582" data-path="images/image(41).png" />
  </Step>

  <Step title="Use 'Deploy a DDoS Override'">
    If you need stronger protection during large-scale attacks, use **Deploy a DDoS Override** to apply strict settings.

    **How to Use:**

    * Go to **Security > DDoS**
    * Click **Deploy a DDoS Override**
    * Name the override (example: `Emergency Protection`)
    * Choose the protection type (`Block` or `Challenge`)
    * Set sensitivity (Low / Medium / High)
    * Save and activate it.

          <img src="https://mintcdn.com/zonely-a8cd49e7/X2ISxdGjFwrTSWOa/images/image(42).png?fit=max&auto=format&n=X2ISxdGjFwrTSWOa&q=85&s=ad1f8b294cd504a073adef6b76f99b58" alt="image (42).png" width="454" height="774" data-path="images/image(42).png" />
  </Step>

  <Step title="Under Attack Mode (Optional)">
    If your site is unresponsive or under heavy attack, enable **Under Attack Mode**. Visitors will briefly see a verification screen before accessing your site.

    **When to Use:**

    * The site slows down or becomes inaccessible
    * Suspected bot or DDoS traffic
    * The admin panel is accessible but the site does not respond

    **How to Enable:**

    1. Log in to Cloudflare
    2. Select your domain
    3. Go to **Settings**
    4. Find **Security Level**
    5. Set it to **Under Attack**
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Other DNS Providers

You can also use other DNS providers. Many registrars offer simple panels for managing DNS after purchasing a domain. You can manually add A, CNAME, or MX records to connect your domain to your server.

While each provider’s interface differs, the core principle remains the same: point your domain to your server’s IP address. Look for sections like **DNS Management** or **Domain Settings** in your provider’s help documentation for guidance.