The Domain Name System (DNS) is a service that translates hostnames into IP addresses. DNS operates as a distributed database organized in a hierarchy of name servers. It functions as an application layer protocol facilitating communication between clients and servers, and it is an indispensable component for the proper functioning of the Internet.
How DNS Works?
The DNS process commences with the conversion of a hostname into an IP address. Domain names serve as unique identifiers for websites and are used in place of IP addresses to simplify the process of accessing websites. The Domain Name System operates through a database responsible for storing the names of hosts available on the Internet. This database includes top-level domain servers that contain address information for domains like .com, .net, .org, and more.
When a client initiates a request, the DNS resolver is responsible for sending a query to a DNS server to obtain the corresponding IP address. If the requested IP address for a hostname is not found in the resolver’s database, the query is then forwarded to another DNS server. Once the IP address is obtained, the resolver finalizes the request through the Internet Protocol, ensuring a successful connection.
The need for DNS (Domain Name System) arises from the fact that while computers communicate using IP addresses, remembering these numerical addresses is cumbersome for humans. Additionally, IP addresses are often dynamic, meaning they can change over time. Therefore, a system is required to map easily memorable domain names to their corresponding IP addresses, facilitating navigation on the internet.
DNS serves the purpose of converting domain names of websites into their respective numerical IP addresses, making it easier for users to access websites without needing to remember complex strings of numbers.
There are various types of domains within the DNS system:
- Generic domains: These include extensions such as .com (commercial), .edu (educational), .mil (military), .org (nonprofit organization), and .net (similar to commercial). These generic domains categorize websites based on their intended purpose or organization type.
- Country domains: These domains are designated for specific countries or territories, such as .in (India), .us (United States), and .uk (United Kingdom). They help identify the geographical location or origin of a website.
- Inverse domains: This type of domain facilitates the reverse mapping of IP addresses to domain names. It allows users to find out the domain name associated with a particular IP address, providing a useful tool for network administrators and troubleshooting purposes.