Setting Up Azure Front Door and Cloudflare for Your WordPress Site

When hosting a WordPress site or application on Azure App Services, integrating a Content Delivery Network (CDN) like Azure Front Door can be a game-changer. Azure Front Door optimizes content delivery by reducing latency and managing traffic intelligently. However, DNS configuration challenges often arise, especially with the root domain (APEX or naked domain), as many DNS providers don’t support CNAME flattening. Cloudflare, which offers CNAME flattening, is one solution. Alternatively, Azure DNS Management is another highly recommended option, providing seamless integration and optimized performance for Azure-hosted resources.

In this guide, we’ll cover setting up Azure Front Door with Cloudflare and Azure DNS Management to ensure your WordPress site performs optimally and has a reliable, globally distributed DNS configuration.

Why Use Azure Front Door?

Azure Front Door offers key benefits for websites hosted on Azure:

Global Content Distribution: Efficiently routes user requests to the nearest backend server.
Intelligent Traffic Management: Balances loads and caches data, enhancing response times.
Built-in Security: Azure Web Application Firewall (WAF) protects against threats.
Real-time Monitoring: Integrated with Azure Monitor and Application Insights for performance insights.

While Front Door’s features make it a strong choice for a WordPress CDN, configuring DNS can present challenges, particularly if your DNS provider lacks APEX CNAME flattening.

Understanding APEX CNAME Flattening

To use Azure Front Door for your root domain (e.g., yoursite.com), you need APEX CNAME flattening. Without it, you would need an A record with a fixed IP, which Azure Front Door doesn’t provide. Cloudflare and Azure DNS Management offer CNAME flattening, making them suitable choices for DNS when using Azure Front Door.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Azure Front Door with Cloudflare DNS

Step 1: Set Up Azure Front Door for Your WordPress Site

Go to the Azure Portal and navigate to Front Door and CDN.
Create a New Front Door Profile: Configure your custom domain, backend pool (pointing to your WordPress App Service), and set up caching and traffic routing as needed.
Deploy and Test: Once configured, save and deploy your Front Door profile to ensure it routes traffic as expected.

Step 2: Move Your DNS to Cloudflare

Cloudflare’s DNS management simplifies CNAME flattening, making it easier to integrate with Azure Front Door:

Create a Cloudflare Account and add your domain. Update your registrar’s nameservers to point to Cloudflare.
Configure DNS Records: Set a CNAME record for your root domain (yoursite.com) pointing to your Azure Front Door domain (e.g., yoursite.azurefd.net). Enable CNAME flattening for root domains.
Enable HTTPS on both Azure Front Door and Cloudflare to secure connections.

Step 3: Enable HTTPS and Configure SSL

Enable HTTPS in Azure Front Door and set up SSL/TLS in Cloudflare (preferably Full or Full (strict) mode).
Redirect HTTP to HTTPS in Cloudflare to ensure secure connections.

Step 4: Monitor Performance and DNS Propagation

Use tools like whatsmydns.net to check DNS propagation. Additionally, monitor performance using Cloudflare Analytics and Azure Monitor.

Alternative: Setting Up Azure Front Door with Azure DNS Management

If you prefer a fully integrated Azure solution, Azure DNS Management is an optimal choice. Azure DNS Management offers APEX CNAME records through Alias Records, eliminating the need for a third-party DNS provider like Cloudflare.

Why Choose Azure DNS with Azure Front Door?

As recommended by Azure, using Azure DNS with Front Door provides native integration and simplifies DNS setup. Key benefits include:

Native Integration: Ensures a streamlined setup and compatibility with Azure services.
Alias Records for Root Domain: Azure DNS’s Alias Records allow you to set up APEX CNAMEs directly to Azure Front Door, removing the need for CNAME flattening.
Optimized Latency: Azure DNS’s global infrastructure aligns with Front Door’s content distribution, enhancing site performance for users worldwide.
Unified Security and Compliance: Azure DNS complies with enterprise security standards, making it suitable for sensitive or regulated environments.

Setting Up Azure DNS with Front Door

Create an Azure DNS Zone:
- Go to Azure DNS Zones in the Azure portal.
- Create a new DNS zone for your domain (e.g., yoursite.com), and update your registrar’s nameservers to use Azure DNS.
Add an Alias Record for Root Domain:
- In your Azure DNS Zone, create an Alias record pointing to your Azure Front Door endpoint. Alias records support root domains, bypassing the need for an A record or CNAME flattening workaround.
Enable HTTPS:
- Set up HTTPS in Azure Front Door. Azure DNS and Front Door work seamlessly together, allowing you to manage SSL certificates easily through Azure’s platform.
Monitor with Azure Insights:
- Use Azure Monitor and Application Insights to track DNS and CDN performance. With an all-Azure stack, you benefit from consolidated analytics, making it easier to manage and troubleshoot.

Benefits of an All-Azure Solution

Using Azure DNS with Azure Front Door provides a cohesive, end-to-end solution tailored for Azure-hosted sites. This setup combines Azure’s robust performance with simplified management, optimal latency, and strong security standards, making it ideal for organizations looking to streamline their infrastructure.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose Cloudflare or Azure DNS Management, setting up Azure Front Door for your WordPress site hosted on Azure App Services enhances content delivery, security, and scalability. Cloudflare offers CNAME flattening for users seeking third-party DNS services, while Azure DNS Management provides a unified, Azure-native setup with Alias Records, ensuring seamless integration.

By selecting the right DNS setup, you can optimize performance, secure your connections, and provide a reliable experience for users globally. Each approach offers distinct benefits, so consider your specific needs to build the best infrastructure for your WordPress site’s growth and success.