Let’s talk about DNS and I’ll briefly explain in this post how DNS works. You might not know about DNS but if you use the internet then you’re using DNS every day.
DNS, or Domain Name System, is a critical component of the modern internet. It is the system responsible for converting a domain name into an IP address, which is the numerical label assigned to each device connected to the internet. Without DNS, the internet would be virtually unusable.
DNS Explained
In the simplest terms, DNS is a directory of domain names and their associated IP addresses. It is like a phone book for the internet, allowing users to search for a domain name and find the IP address associated with it. When someone types a domain name into their browser, DNS is responsible for translating it into an IP address so the browser can access the website.
“When a user types a domain name into their browser, DNS is responsible for translating it into an IP address.”
To understand how DNS works, it’s important to understand the structure of the internet. The internet is made up of millions of connected devices, each with its own IP address. These addresses are assigned by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). ICANN is responsible for assigning IP addresses to websites, ensuring that each website has a unique address.
When a user types a domain name into their browser, DNS is responsible for translating it into an IP address. To do this, DNS uses a hierarchical system of servers. At the top of the hierarchy are the root servers. These servers are responsible for knowing the IP addresses of all the other DNS servers. When a user types in a domain name, the root server looks up the IP address of the domain name and then passes it on to the next server in the hierarchy. This process is repeated until the IP address of the domain name is found and passed back to the user’s browser.
Other Uses
DNS can also be used to provide additional information about a domain name. This includes information such as the mail server associated with the domain name and the name servers used to store the website’s files. This information is stored in DNS records, which are stored on DNS servers.
DNS is also responsible for ensuring that domain names are unique. When a new domain name is registered, it is checked against the DNS database to make sure that it is available. If the domain name is already taken, the user will be unable to register it.
Conclusion
I have left a sample DNS record below. This is a typical record for a domain name that is broadcasting itself across the internet.
With all of that said, DNS is an essential part of the internet and is responsible for the smooth functioning of the web. Without it, the internet would be virtually unusable. It is important for users to understand how DNS works in order to ensure that their websites and emails are working correctly.
Sample DNS Record
