Domain Name System (DNS) is a fundamental technology that translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the internet. This guide will help you understand the basics of DNS and how it works.
How DNS Works
DNS Resolution Process
- User Requests a Domain: When you type a domain name into your web browser, like
www.example.com, the browser sends a request to your DNS resolver. - DNS Resolver Contacts the Root Server: Your DNS resolver contacts the root server to ask for the IP address of the domain's top-level domain (TLD) server. For
.comdomains, the TLD server is managed by Verisign. - TLD Server Contacts Authoritative DNS Server: The TLD server then contacts the authoritative DNS server for the specific domain, which contains the IP address associated with the domain name.
- IP Address Returned: The authoritative DNS server returns the IP address to your DNS resolver.
- Browser Contacts Server: Your browser uses the IP address to contact the web server and load the requested content.
- User Requests a Domain: When you type a domain name into your web browser, like
DNS Records
- A Record: Maps a domain name to an IP address.
- CNAME Record: Maps a domain name to another domain name.
- MX Record: Defines the mail server responsible for accepting email messages on behalf of a domain.
- TXT Record: Contains arbitrary text information.
Importance of DNS
- Simplifies Internet Navigation: Without DNS, we would have to remember complex IP addresses for every website we visit.
- Scalability: DNS allows for a vast number of devices and services to exist on the internet without requiring manual configuration of IP addresses.
- Redundancy: DNS can include multiple IP addresses for a single domain, allowing for failover in case of an outage.
Learn More
To dive deeper into DNS, we recommend checking out our comprehensive guide on DNS Management.
