What is DNS (Domain Name System)
In computer terms, DNS (Domain Name System) is a hierarchical system that translates domain names, such as www.example.com, into IP addresses (like 192.168.1.1) that computers use to identify each other on the internet. Without DNS, users would have to remember complex numeric IP addresses to access websites. DNS serves as a directory for the internet, helping users reach the correct websites by converting human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses.
How DNS Works
When you type a domain name into your web browser, the DNS process begins. Here’s a simplified version of how it works:
- DNS Query: The browser sends a request for the domain name to a DNS server to find the associated IP address.
- DNS Resolution: The DNS server checks its cache or forwards the request to other servers to resolve the IP address for the domain name.
- Response: Once the IP address is found, the DNS server sends it back to the browser, allowing it to load the website.
DNS Servers
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DNS servers are the backbone of the DNS system. They store domain names and their corresponding IP addresses. Types of DNS servers include:
- Recursive DNS Servers: These servers handle queries and attempt to resolve domain names by checking their cache or querying other DNS servers.
- Authoritative DNS Servers: These servers store the actual IP addresses for specific domain names and provide the final answer for DNS queries.
Importance of DNS
DNS is essential for the smooth functioning of the internet, as it simplifies the process of finding and accessing websites. Without DNS, users would need to memorize and enter numerical IP addresses to reach online resources.
DNS Caching
To speed up the process of accessing frequently visited websites, DNS uses caching. DNS servers and even your computer can temporarily store previously resolved domain names, reducing the time it takes to load websites.