What is DNS and How It Works? A Comprehensive Guide

Have you ever wondered how typing a website name leads you to the right page? That’s the magic of DNS, the Domain Name System! Like the internet’s phone book, DNS translates simple domain names into IP addresses, ensuring easy and fast connections. With so many websites online today, it’s no surprise that in 2024, there were 362.4 million domain name registrations across all top-level domains (TLDs). Let’s dive into how this incredible system works!

What Is DNS?

The Domain Name System (DNS) acts as the Internet’s directory, enabling users to access websites without memorizing complex numerical IP addresses. For example, when you type accuwebhosting.com into your browser, DNS translates this name into an IP address like 50.63.202.40, allowing your browser to locate the site.

Each device on the Internet has a unique IP address, which helps other devices find it. DNS servers simplify this process by allowing us to use easy-to-remember names instead of difficult numbers.In the past, finding a location required physical maps and frequent stops for directions.

Today, GPS technology has made navigation easier by quickly converting addresses into simple coordinates. Similarly, DNS simplifies web browsing by allowing users to reach websites through straightforward names instead of complicated IP addresses.

How Does DNS Work?

A DNS helps you quickly find the right website while you type a domain name in the browser. However, this immediate process is not that simple. Here’s a breakdown of how DNS works in the back-end:

• Entering a Query:

  When you type a domain name like example.com into your browser, it starts a search to find the IP address that matches the domain name to load the website.

• Checking Root Servers:

  The search first goes to root servers, which are like directories that know where to look for the TLD (Top-Level Domain) nameservers. There are 13 root servers worldwide that store essential information about domain names. They guide the process by identifying where to find the specific DNS details needed.

• Finding the TLD Nameservers:

  The TLD nameservers handle specific domain extensions like .com, .net, or .org. For example, the query checks the .com TLD nameserver to find the next stop: the domain nameserver.

• Reaching the Domain Nameserver:

  The domain nameserver has all the DNS records, for example.com, including the A record, which links the domain name to its specific IP address.

• Retrieving the Website:

  With the IP address found, your browser connects to the website’s server and loads the content.

Tip: Read this article for complete information on How DNS Works.

How Do DNS Servers Play a Role in loading a website?

Four types of DNS servers work together to load a webpage:

• DNS Resolver

  Think of the DNS resolver as your computer’s guide to the internet. When you try to visit a website, it first checks if it already knows the IP address. If it does, you’re quickly sent to the site. If not, it reaches out to other servers to find your address.

• Root Nameserver

  The root nameserver is like the starting point of a treasure hunt for a website’s IP address. It doesn’t have the IP but knows where to send the DNS resolver next. It looks at the domain’s extension (like .com or .org) and points the resolver in the right direction.

• TLD Nameserver

  Once the DNS resolver reaches the TLD nameserver, it’s like narrowing down to a specific library section. This server is in charge of domain extensions, such as .com or .net, and it guides the resolver to the next place where the IP address can be found.

• Authoritative Nameserver

  The authoritative nameserver is the final stop. It holds the actual IP address of the website you’re looking for. Once the DNS resolver gets this address, it sends it back to your computer, so you can instantly access the site.

What Are Domain Nameservers?

Nameservers store all the DNS records for a domain name. When someone looks up your domain, the nameserver gives the info needed to find your site.

Nameserver addresses look like this:

ns1.dns-parking.com
ns2.dns-parking.com

Most hosting providers use two or more nameservers. You don’t need to do anything if your domain and host are from the same company. But if your domain is from another company, you must change the nameservers to point to your hosting provider.

For instance, if your site is hosted by AccuWebHosting.com but your domain is from another provider, you’ll need to update the nameservers to AccuWebHosting ones. You can check your nameservers using DNS tools or a WHOIS search.

Wondering how to update your nameservers? Check out our easy guide to get your domain connected to your host!

What Is a DNS Zone?

A DNS zone is a segment of the Domain Name System managed by a specific organization or administrator. It contains the DNS records that route internet traffic to the correct servers for a domain.

Some Commonly Used DNS Records Are:

1. Name Server Record
2. A Record
3. AAAA Record
4. CNAME Record
5. TXT Record
6. MX Record
7. DKIM Record
8. DMARK Record
9. SPF Record
10. SOA Record

For more detailed info, check out our blog and thoroughly explore DNS zones & DNS Records!

Pro Tip:
Take a look at our page to find affordable options and key factors to look at while choosing a domain name.

Conclusion

DNS is the internet’s translator that converts easy-to-remember domain names to complex IP addresses computers use to point to websites. When typing in a website address, DNS helps find the exact location on the internet because it converts the domain name into a unique IP address; this happens automatically in the background, allowing you simply to access the websites instead of dealing with the complexity of dealing with IP addresses. DNS makes it easy and efficient to browse the internet, making users browse without having to remember or type long, complicated numbers for every website visited.

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