What is DNS?
DNS (Domain Name System) is like the phonebook of the internet. When you type a website address (e.g., www.example.com) into your browser, DNS translates that into an IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1), which computers use to locate each other.
How Does DNS Work?
When you enter a domain name, your computer follows these steps to find the correct website:
- Querying a Recursive Resolver: Your device asks a DNS resolver (provided by your ISP or a public service like Google DNS) for the IP address of the website.
- Contacting Root Name Servers: If the resolver doesn’t already have the answer, it asks a root server where to find the information.
- Finding the Correct TLD Server: The root server directs the resolver to the appropriate Top-Level Domain (TLD) server (e.g., .com, .org, .uk).
- Getting the Authoritative DNS Server: The TLD server directs the request to the domain’s authoritative name server.
- Retrieving the IP Address: The authoritative server responds with the correct IP address, and your browser loads the website.
Types of DNS Records
DNS uses different types of records to store information about domains:
- A Record: Maps a domain to an IPv4 address.
- AAAA Record: Maps a domain to an IPv6 address.
- MX Record: Specifies the mail servers for a domain.
- NS Record: Identifies the name servers responsible for a domain.
- TXT Record: Stores text-based information, often used for verification purposes.
- CNAME Record: Maps a domain to another domain (alias).
- SRV Record: Defines service locations for specific protocols.
Why is DNS Important?
DNS makes it easier for users to access websites using names instead of hard-to-remember IP addresses. Without DNS, you’d have to type numeric IP addresses instead of simple domain names.
How to Check DNS Records?
You can check a website’s DNS records using online tools, including our DNS Lookup Tool.
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