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What is Domain Name System?

Domain Name System (DNS)

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a hierarchical and decentralized naming system that translates human-readable domain names, such as www.example.com, into their corresponding IP addresses, such as 192.168.1.1. It acts as a phonebook for the internet, allowing users to access websites using domain names instead of remembering complex numerical IP addresses.

How DNS Works

  1. User Request: The user enters a domain name into their browser, like www.google.com. The browser sends a DNS request to resolve the domain name into an IP address.
  2. DNS Query: The request is sent to a DNS resolver, which searches for the IP address of the domain name.
  3. Name Server Interaction: The resolver contacts DNS servers (root, TLD, and authoritative servers) to find the matching IP address.
  4. IP Address Returned: The IP address is returned to the browser once it is found.
  5. Connection Established: The browser uses the IP address to connect to the target server and load the website.

Key Components of DNS

  • DNS Resolver: Acts as an intermediary between the user and the DNS system, resolving domain names to IP addresses.
  • Root Servers: The top-level DNS servers that respond to queries about domain extensions like .com, .org, .net, etc.
  • Top-Level Domain (TLD) Servers: Handle requests for specific domain extensions and direct queries to the appropriate authoritative servers.
  • Authoritative Name Servers: Store the actual IP address mappings for domain names.

Advantages of DNS

  • Ease of Use: Simplifies navigation by allowing users to use human-readable names.
  • Scalability: Supports the growing number of devices and websites on the internet.
  • Reliability: Offers redundant systems to ensure continuous operation.
  • Load Balancing: Distributes traffic efficiently across servers.

Examples of DNS in Action

  • Typing www.amazon.com in a browser translates to its corresponding IP address via DNS.
  • Email servers use DNS to locate and deliver emails to the correct mail server.

 

DNS is an essential component of the internet that makes online navigation user-friendly and efficient. By translating domain names into IP addresses, it bridges the gap between human users and the complex infrastructure of the web.

 

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