What is Domain Name System (DNS) – Working of DNS

Written By The IoT Academy
Published on March 26th, 2024

In the vast universe of the internet, where billions of websites coexist. So, the Domain Name System (DNS) serves as a crucial element, guiding users to their desired online destinations. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore deep into the workings of DNS, and its significance. As well as its applications, and how you can optimize it for your needs.

Table of Contents

Domain Name System Meaning

The Domain Name System (DNS) is like the internet’s phone book. It turns website names (like example.com) into numbers that computers understand (called IP addresses). So, when you type a website name into your browser, DNS helps your computer find the right place on the internet. As well as it is like magic happening in the background that makes browsing the web easy and smooth.

Types of DNS

DNS encompasses various types tailored to specific functions and requirements:

Recursive DNS Server: These servers help your computer or phone find information by asking other servers if needed.
Authoritative DNS Server: Authoritative Domain Name System servers are like the boss of domain information. So, they keep all the important details about a website and tell other servers the correct information.
Root DNS Server: Root servers are like the big bosses of DNS. Also, They handle requests for TLDs and tell other servers where to find them.
TLD DNS Server: These servers take care of the important information for specific website endings as well some of the domain name system examples are: .com or .org.

How Does DNS Work?

Domain Name System is like the internet’s address book. When you type a website’s name, your computer asks a special server to find its number (IP address). This server might ask others until it finds the right number. Once found, your computer can connect to the website, and you can see the page. DNS works in layers, with different servers doing different jobs. It’s quick and makes sure you find websites easily by changing names into numbers computers understand.

What are DNS Names?

DNS names are the names we use to find things on the internet, like websites. They have parts separated by dots, such as “www.example.com.” The part on the right, like “.com” or “.org,” is the top-level domain (TLD). The part on the left, like “example,” is the second-level domain (SLD), chosen by the owner. We can add more parts before the SLD, like “blog.example.com,” to make subdomains for different sections of a website.

Why Do You Need DNS?

DNS makes browsing the internet easy because it changes website names into numbers for computers. Without DNS, we’d have to remember long numbers for every website, which is hard. With the Domain Name System, we just type the website name, and it takes us there. Also, it helps computers talk to each other and find things online. The need of DNS is super important for making sure we can all use the internet without any problems.

Domain Name System Applications

The Domain Name System (DNS) has several important applications. Also, they are fundamental to the functioning of the internet. Here are some of the key applications of DNS:

Hostname to IP Address Resolution: DNS helps you reach websites and send emails by translating easy-to-remember names. As well as “example.com” into the numbers computers use to find each other on the internet, like “192.0.2.1”.
Load Balancing and Redundancy: DNS helps share website visitors among many servers to prevent any one server from getting too busy. It can also send visitors to a different server if one is not working. So websites stay available even if there’s a problem.
Email Routing: MX records in the Domain Name Server tell email where to go. Also, they help email find the right servers to deliver messages between different email services on the internet.
Reverse DNS Lookup: The Domain Name System can also look up domain names from IP addresses. This helps check if email senders are real or not. Which domain is linked to an IP address for security reasons?
Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): Generally, CDNs use DNS to send people to the best server nearby. So, to make websites faster and more reliable by delivering content quickly from the closest place.

List of Best DNS Servers

Here are 10 popular and Best DNS servers known for their performance and reliability:

Google Public DNS
OpenDNS
Cloudflare DNS
Quad9
Comodo Secure DNS
Level3 DNS
Verisign DNS
Norton ConnectSafe
DNS. Watch
AdGuard DNS

How to setup DNS Settings

Changing Domain Name System settings can be a bit different depending on what kind of computer or phone you have, but here’s a basic way to do it:

Access Network Settings: Go to your device’s network settings. This is usually found in the Control Panel on Windows, System Preferences on macOS, and Settings on mobile devices.
Choose Network Connection: Select the network connection you want to configure. This could be Ethernet for wired connections or Wi-Fi for wireless connections.
Find DNS Settings: Look for the DNS settings option. It might be labeled as “DNS servers,” “DNS settings,” or something similar.
Select Manual Configuration: Choose manual configuration or custom settings. This allows you to input specific Domain Name System server addresses.
Input DNS Server Addresses: Enter the IP addresses of the DNS servers you want to use. These could be the addresses of public DNS servers like Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or your ISP’s DNS servers.
Save Changes: Save your changes and exit the settings menu.
Restart Device or Connection: Sometimes, it’s necessary to restart your device or network connection for the changes to take effect.

Different devices and systems might have slightly different steps. If you’re not sure, you can check your device’s manual or ask for help from someone who knows about networks.

Conclusion

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a cornerstone of the internet. Enabling seamless navigation and communication across the vast digital landscape. By understanding how DNS works and its myriad applications, users can optimize their online experiences and ensure reliable connectivity. As well as whether you’re browsing the web, sending emails, or accessing cloud services. Last of all, DNS plays a vital role in keeping the internet accessible and functional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a DNS server used for?

Ans. A DNS server helps computers talk to each other by turning website names, like “example.com,” into numbers. So, this helps us easily access websites and online services on the internet.

Q. What is an example of a domain name?

Ans. An example of a domain name is “google.com”. The part “google” is chosen by the owner, and “.com” shows the type of organization. As well as Domain names, like “google.com,” help find things on the internet, like websites, making it easy to navigate.

Q. Is DNS a web server?

Ans. No, DNS is not a web server. DNS changes website names into numbers for computers. But web servers hold websites and show their content to users when they ask for it.

About The Author:

The IoT Academy

The IoT Academy as a reputed ed-tech training institute is imparting online / Offline training in emerging technologies such as Data Science, Machine Learning, IoT, Deep Learning, and more. We believe in making revolutionary attempt in changing the course of making online education accessible and dynamic.