LazyMagic

Web Domain

Prerequisites:
- Credit Card
- Valid Email address
Estimated Time: 1 hour to 1 day
Estimated Cost: $5

In this step we will configure the AWS dev account with the perquisites required to deploy the sample system, these include:

  • Domain
  • Hosted Zone
  • SSL Certificate
Domain

You need a domain for your deployment. You can purchase a domain using AWS Route53 or transfer in a domain you may already have from another provider, like GoDaddy. If you are purchasing a new domain from another provider, there is usually a substantial delay before you can transfer it. For that reason we suggest you purchase the domain in your AWS dev account if you don't already have a domain you want to use for this exercise. As of 10/22/2024, AWS charges for domain registration are competitive.

For this exercise, we suggest you use a descriptive name like: MyCompanyPetsDev.click. The top level domain ".click" is usually the least expensive domain. Since this is not a production system, we strongly suggest you include 'Dev' in the name. However, you can use any name and top level domain you like. As of 10/22/2024, a ".click" TLD costs $3.00 per year.

When you register your domain on Route53, you may see a domain name registration failure. AWS sometimes requires a "account validation" before processing the domain name registration. Unfortunately, the AWS process doesn't automatically let you know what's going on. So, if your domain registration fails, submit a issue to AWS so they can resolve the issue. In my experience, they usually resolve this issue in a day or so.

Purchasing a Domain on AWS
  1. Open your browser using your SSO link. (See Installation->AWS Organization)
  2. Sign into AWS using your SSO credentials. The AWS access portal Accounts page is shown.
  3. Select the Dev account. The available roles are are shown under the selected account.
  4. Select AWSAdministratorAccess. A new tab opens showing your Console Home page.
  5. Navigate to the "Route 53" service.
  6. Select the menu item Domains -> Registered Domains. The Registered Domains page lists your domains.
  7. Select the "Register domains" button, in the top right corner of the page. The Register domains page is shown,.
  8. Use this page to check availability of domains and purchase one.

You can easily change domains used by the system or decommission the system deployment later to use the domain for another purpose.

HostedZone

When you purchase a domain in your AWS dev account, a HostedZone is created for you.

If you purchase a new domain, or transfer in a domain, to an account other than your Dev account, you may still use it in your Dev account. However, there are additional steps, too involved for discussion here, that you will take to configure that appropriately.

SSL Certificate

After your domain is registered, you need an SSL Certificate for that domain. The AWS Certificate Manager (ACM) service will provide one for you at no charge.

Assuming you are already logged on to your AWS Console and in your Dev Account:

  1. Navigate to the AWS Certificate Manager (ACM)
  2. Select the N.Virginia region. All certificates must be created in this region. Regardless of the region you deploy in.
  3. Select the menu item Request certificate.
  4. Select the Request public certification option.
  5. Select Next. The Request public certificate page is shown.
  6. Add your fully qualified domain names (replace "mydomain.click" with the domain you created above.):
    • mydoamin.click
    • *.mydomain.click - use the Add another name to this certificate button.
  7. Accept the defaults: DNS validation, RSA 2048.
  8. Click on the Request button.
  9. Click on the "Create records in Route53" button. The Create DNS records in Route 53 page opens.
  10. Click on the "Create records" button.
  11. It may take some time for the certificate to change to a status of "issued".
  12. Documentation on the full certificate request process may be found here.

Next Steps

Later on, in this system setup, you will need the following values:

  • Domain name
  • HostedZoneId
  • ACM Certificate arn.

We will walk you through grabbing these values from AWS when you need them. However, since the domain registration may take some time, you should get a domain and domain certificate for your Dev account right away.