What is DNS? For a quick visualization consider the following example: Let’s face it, it’s much easier for humans to remember names than numbers. For example, if you want to call someone but can’t remember their number, one option is to look up their name in your phone’s contact list.
DNS, which stands for Domain Name System, uses the same principle. It is like a phone book that connects people and computers by associating domain names with their corresponding Internet Protocol (IP) addresses.
In this article, we will discuss “What is DNS?” and explain how it works. Let’s dive right in!
Introduction to DNS and its Role in website hosting
The Domain Name System (DNS) is an essential part of the Internet that works invisibly to link the easy-to-remember names of websites typed in a search bar to their associated IP addresses. Although it is possible to access a website by typing its IP address into a browser, most users prefer to use domain names, which are made up of words.
The process of getting a client the correct IP address is called DNS resolution, and it involves four primary servers:
- DNS recursive: The first query goes to the DNS recursor, which looks through its cache for recently used addresses. If it cannot locate the correct IP address for your website, it forwards the request to other servers.
- Root nameservers: To convert domain names to IP addresses, root nameservers direct your query to more specific data centers.
- Top-level domain (TLD) nameservers: TLD nameservers further refine the search by allowing access only to domains ending in a particular extension, such as .com, .org, or.edu.
- Official nameservers: Domains with assigned IP addresses are stored on this server. After receiving the request, the authoritative nameservers will respond with the appropriate DNS records. This will allow the requested website to load.
When using DNS, nameservers are typically used to direct a domain to a particular hosting provider.
What are domain names and how are they related to DNS?
The domain name is your website address on the World Wide Web. In other words, it’s what visitors enter into their browser to reach your site. The domain name can be either a single word or can consist of several. No matter how many words, domain names always end with a dot and a suffix.
If you buy, register, and use a memorable domain name, it will be much easier for people to find and return to your website. The moment people enter your domain name into their browsers, their computers will make DNS-mediated connections to a multitude of servers.
Conclusion on What is DNS
DNS is an essential component of the Internet that translates domain names into IP addresses for computers and other devices that can access the Web. Whether you’re planning to start a new WordPress site, move an existing one, or purchase additional domain names, it’s important to have a working knowledge of the fundamentals of DNS management. “What is DNS?” By answering the question we hope to provide you with a starting point for building your own website.
