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What is Domain Name System - How Does DNS Work?

What is Domain Name System - How Does DNS Work?

By Upskill Campus
Published Date:   12th March, 2024 Uploaded By:    Ankit Roy
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Domain Name System is a translator for the internet. When you type in a website name, DNS helps your computer understand where that website is located. Moreover, it provides a unique number called an IP address, such as 192.0.2.44. In short, it turns a familiar address into the exact coordinates your computer needs to find and connect to the right place on the internet.


What is a Domain Name System?


The internet has its unique address. These addresses are like phone numbers but for computers, called IP addresses. Now, when you want to visit a website, you don't have to remember and type in a complicated number. Instead, you can use a name, like example.com, and still get to the right place.


So, DNS is a translator that turns these easy names into the actual computer numbers. Amazon Route 53 is one of these helpful translators, and it's all over the world to ensure things run smoothly. It ensures your computer knows which number to connect to when you type in a website name or domain. These translation requests are called queries. 


Types of DNS Service


Now, let's talk about two parts of domain name system services: Authoritative DNS and Recursive DNS.

Authoritative DNS is in charge of keeping track of the necessary addresses (IP addresses) for websites. Moreover, it is the one with the final say and provides the answer. When you want to visit a website, you can’t always ask the Authoritative DNS directly. Instead, you go to the assistant, a resolver, who knows how to get the information for you. The resolver might already have the website details stored (cached). Moreover, if so, it quickly gives you the answer. But if not, it reaches out to the Authoritative DNS to find where to go.

So, Authoritative DNS is the big decision-maker, and Recursive DNS is the friendly assistant that helps you find your way around the internet.


Best DNS Servers Concerned with Loading a Webpage


Alright, let's know the popular domain name system servers when you open a webpage.
 

  1. Local DNS Resolver: It takes the website name you entered and asks around to find the exact address.
  2. Root DNS Servers: The local resolver checks in with them to get some initial hints.
  3. Top-Level Domain (TLD) DNS Servers: Now, the resolver talks to the specialized servers for things like '.com' or '.org.' They give more details about the website's location.
  4. Authoritative DNS Servers: These servers have the exact info about the website. The resolver picks one and gets the final address.
  5. Web Server: Finally, your computer directly contacts the web server where the website lives.


This step-by-step teamwork ensures that when you type a website name, your computer can quickly find the right place on the internet. 


How DNS Helps Guide Internet Traffic to Your Website?


Follow the below steps to know how your computer finds a website using domain name system when you type its name in the browser.
 

  • First, you type 'www.example.com' and hit Enter.
  • Your request goes to a helper called DNS resolver, usually managed by your Internet service provider (ISP).
  • This resolver then asks critical servers for directions.
  • After that, it checks with the big-shot DNS root server.
  • Then, it goes to the specific server for '.com' domains.
  • This server points to the Amazon Route 53 servers for 'example.com.'
  • The resolver picks one and asks for the precise address (like a house number) of 'www.example.com.'
  • Amazon Route 53 replies with the correct address say 192.0.2.44.
  • The resolver notes this address down and tells your browser.
  • Your browser now directly contacts 192.0.2.44, where the website is hosted.
  • The web server at 192.0.2.44 sends the web page to your browser.
  • Your browser shows you the page, and there you go – you've reached www.example.com!

Finally, the DNS hosting resolver keeps a note of this address for a while.


Understanding Domain Lookup


So, when you type a nice and easy website name (like 'www.example.com') into your computer or phone, DNS Lookup is a helpful process. As a result, it takes that name and figures out the genuine computer number (IP Address) it needs to talk to on the web. It turns human-friendly names into the digital addresses that computers use to chat with each other online. So, the Domain Name System is the language interpreter. However, it makes sure everyone online can understand each other and find their way around.


Learners Also Read:- What is Neural Network - Definition | Types | Tools


What is a DNS Resolver?


When you want to access a website or use an online service, DNS Resolver plays a crucial role. It is responsible for the locating process of the correct address for the website, which is also known as DNS Lookup or DNS Resolution.


Different Types of DNS Queries


Let's talk about the three types of domain name system Queries when they're trying to find something on the internet. 
 

  1. Recursive Query: If the DNS resolver can't find a record, the DNS server responds to the client with the requested record or an error message.
  2. Iterative Query: Iterative Query is a type of query where the DNS client seeks the most accurate answer from the DNS server.
  3. Non-Recursive Query: Non-Recursive Query is a DNS Resolver query for a record that exists in the DNS Server's cache.


So, these queries are like different ways of asking questions in the DNS world. However, it depends on what you're looking for and how much info you already have in your computer's memory.


What is DNS Caching?


DNS Caching looks up addresses for websites. Instead of asking every time, it remembers the addresses it found before and keeps them in a little memory folder. It stores the domain names and IP addresses it has seen before, so it doesn't have to search over again.

By remembering this info, your computer can skip some steps the next time you visit a website. So, DNS Caching is like your computer's little helper, making sure things happen faster.


What are DNS Security Extensions?


Every time you visit a website, send an email, or even look at a picture on social media, the DNS plays a vital role. However, it turns easy-to-remember names (like icann.org) into the IP addresses that computers use to talk to each other.

Now, when you use the Internet on your phone or any device, it all starts with the domain name system. Let's say you type a website name into your browser. Your device's operating system has a little helper called a 'stub resolver.' However, this starts the process of figuring out the website's address by asking a more knowledgeable friend, known as a 'recursive resolver.' Many large networks have these smart friends to handle requests from devices on their network.


DNS Security Tools


The following section will elaborate on the list of various DNS security solutions that every individual must know. 
 

  • DNSFilter
  • ScoutDNS, LLC.
  • Cloudflare
  • Webroot
  • DNS Firewall
  • DomainTools


Conclusion

To sum it up, the Domain Name System (DNS) plays a necessary role in the internet. As a result, it makes the internet run super smoothly. It's a language translator for computers, turning easy-to-remember website names into unique numbers they use to talk to each other. This role is essential for everything we do online, like checking websites or sending emails. Our devices can easily find and chat with each other across the world on the internet.


Frequently Asked Questions


Q1.Are DNS and VPN the same?

Ans.VPN is considered to be a more secure option compared to DNS, as it uses an encryption approach to safeguard user data.


Q2. Is Secure DNS safe?

Ans. Yes! Secure DNS is safe.

 

About the Author

Upskill Campus

UpskillCampus provides career assistance facilities not only with their courses but with their applications from Salary builder to Career assistance, they also help School students with what an individual needs to opt for a better career.

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