A DNS server acts as a directory for websites, translating human-readable website names (like google.com) into machine-readable IP addresses (like 172.217.160.142). This process allows your computer to connect to the correct server hosting the website you want to visit.
Here's a breakdown of how it works:
1. You Enter a Website Address
When you type a website address (like www.example.com) into your web browser, your computer sends a request to your local DNS server. This server is usually provided by your internet service provider (ISP).
2. DNS Server Looks Up the IP Address
The DNS server checks its cache for the website's IP address. If it's found, the server sends the IP address to your computer. If not, the DNS server starts a recursive query.
3. Recursive Query
The DNS server contacts other DNS servers in a hierarchical system until it finds the server that holds the website's IP address. This process involves checking root servers, top-level domain (TLD) servers, and authoritative name servers.
4. IP Address Returned
Once the DNS server finds the IP address, it sends it back to your computer.
5. Connection Established
Your computer uses the IP address to connect to the website's server, allowing you to access the content.
In summary:
- DNS servers act as intermediaries, translating website names into IP addresses.
- This process allows your computer to locate and connect to the correct website server.
- DNS servers use a hierarchical system to find the IP addresses of websites.
Example:
Let's say you want to visit google.com. When you type this into your browser, your computer sends a request to your local DNS server. The DNS server looks up the IP address for google.com and finds it's 172.217.160.142. This IP address is then sent back to your computer, allowing you to connect to the Google website.
Practical Insights:
- Caching: DNS servers cache IP addresses for websites, making subsequent requests faster.
- Domain Name System (DNS): This hierarchical system ensures efficient and reliable website resolution.
- Authoritative Name Servers: These servers are responsible for storing the IP addresses of specific domains.
