Last Updated on September 21, 2024 by Tech Queries Team
If you’re an internet user, you may have come across the term DNS. But exactly what is DNS server?
Before mobile phones became common, we used to have landline phones. As we were not able to store any contacts in them, we used to have a large Phone Directory that contains all the contacts and phone numbers. DNS works on a similar concept. But, instead of phone numbers, DNS contains all the web addresses.
DNS full form: Domain Name System
DNS helps users easily access websites by entering domain names like “google.com” instead of complex numerical IP Addresses . Understanding how DNS works is key to appreciating its role in the internet ecosystem. Without DNS, users would have to remember long strings of numbers for every website they wanted to visit.
Let’s discuss more on What is DNS Server in Computer Network and How does DNS works.
Table of Contents
What is DNS?
The Domain Name System (DNS) is a hierarchical and decentralized naming system that enables computers, services, or other resources connected to the internet or a private network to be easily identified by a domain name, rather than a numerical IP address.
For instance, in a phonebook or mobile phone, we find contact names and numbers. We typically search for a contact by their name since remembering the number can be challenging. In the same way, DNS stores all the website names and addresses on the internet. When we enter a website name, it directs us to the corresponding web address.
For Example, when you type YouTube.com, Facebook.com, or other websites in the URL bar, your browsers will search for its and open the website.Â
As the backbone of the web, DNS not only simplifies navigation but also plays a significant part in the overall performance and security of websites. Managing types of DNS records and ensuring the reliability of DNS servers directly impact website accessibility and speed, making DNS indispensable in our increasingly digital world.
So, what is a DNS server?
A DNS server is responsible for handling these translations or “lookups.” When you type a domain name into your browser, the DNS server checks its records to find the correct IP address associated with that domain name. A DNS server is a specific type of server that performs the function of resolving domain names into IP addresses. It contains databases of domain name information and responds to DNS queries.
How does DNS Work?
Computers don’t understand human language. In short, when we enter a website name in the URL bar, the browser converts it into an IP address using the Domain Name Server (DNS). As we discussed earlier, IP addresses are a series of numbers that are translated into binary code for the computer to comprehend.
To understand how DNS works exactly, it’s essential to break down the DNS lookup process. When you enter a domain name, the DNS follows a step-by-step process to resolve the name into an IP address:
- DNS Query: The browser sends a query to the local DNS server to find the IP address of the requested domain.
- Root Nameserver: If the local server doesn’t have the information, it forwards the query to the root nameserver, which directs it to the appropriate Top-Level Domain (TLD) nameserver (e.g., .com, .org).
- Authoritative DNS Server: Finally, the query reaches the authoritative DNS server, which holds the DNS records for that specific domain. It returns the IP address back to the local DNS server and the browser.
- Response: The browser receives the IP address and uses it to establish a connection with the website’s server.
This process takes place in milliseconds, ensuring fast and efficient communication between devices.
You can read more about IP Addresses by clicking on the above link. We have also written an article on the Difference Between IPV4 and IPV6.
Types of DNS Servers:
Servers are computers that store various data. And, the servers that store the IP addresses of various websites are called DNS Servers. There are four types of DNS Servers.
- DNS Recursive Resolver
- Root Name Server
- Top-Level Domain (TLD Name Server)
- Authoritative Name Server
Types of DNS Records
The types of DNS records play a key role in how DNS servers store and retrieve this information. Each domain name has a set of records that define various properties, such as where emails should be routed or what the main IP address is for a website.
Managing these records effectively ensures that the Domain Name System continues to operate smoothly.
The Domain Name System (DNS) relies on various types of DNS records to ensure the proper functioning of websites and other online services.
Each record serves a specific purpose, whether it’s directing traffic, sending emails, or verifying domain ownership. Understanding these records is key to knowing how DNS servers manage and route internet traffic.
A Record (Address Record)
The A Record is the most common type of DNS record and is responsible for mapping domain names to IP addresses. When you enter a domain name in your browser, the DNS server uses the A Record to find the corresponding IP address, enabling your browser to connect to the correct web server. Without this record, websites would not be accessible through human-readable domain names.
CNAME Record (Canonical Name Record)
A CNAME Record is used to alias one domain name to another. For instance, if you have multiple subdomains pointing to the same root domain, you can use a CNAME to direct all subdomains to the same IP address without creating separate A Records. This helps simplify domain management.
MX Record (Mail Exchange Record)
The MX Record specifies the mail servers responsible for handling email delivery for a particular domain. When someone sends an email to a domain, the DNS checks the MX Records to determine which server should receive the message. Managing MX Records properly is crucial for ensuring reliable email communication.
NS Record (Name Server Record)
The NS Record defines the authoritative name servers for a domain. These DNS servers hold the DNS records for the domain and are responsible for answering queries about it. When a domain’s NS Records are configured, they direct traffic to the correct DNS server, ensuring that users can reach the site without issue.
TXT Record (Text Record)
A TXT Record holds text information that can be used for various purposes, including domain verification, security (such as SPF for email authentication), and more. Many service providers require you to add TXT Records to your domain for verification and security purposes.
Is DNS Necessary:
You can directly enter a website’s IP address in the URL bar without using DNS. However, most internet users rely on static IP addresses. This is why we need a DNS server, which maintains the most current IP addresses of websites. Additionally, remembering all those IP addresses can be quite challenging.
Check our previous article on the Difference Between Static Vs Dedicated IP Addresses.
Common DNS Issues
Though the Domain Name System (DNS) is essential for seamless internet browsing, it is not without its challenges.
From DNS resolution problems to security threats like DNS spoofing, these issues can disrupt user experience and potentially compromise security. Understanding these common DNS problems is crucial to maintaining a reliable online presence.
DNS Resolution Problems
One of the most frequent DNS issues involves DNS resolution problems. This occurs when a DNS server fails to map a domain name to its corresponding IP address, making the website unreachable.
Such issues can stem from misconfigured DNS records, overloaded servers, or network outages. When DNS resolution is delayed or fails, it can significantly affect website availability and user experience.
DNS Spoofing and Security Concerns
DNS spoofing, also known as DNS cache poisoning, is a severe security issue where attackers manipulate the DNS records to redirect users to malicious websites.
This can lead to phishing attacks, malware distribution, or data theft. Ensuring the integrity of DNS servers and deploying security protocols like DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) helps protect against these vulnerabilities.
DNSSEC adds an extra layer of security by digitally signing DNS records, ensuring that the responses received during a DNS lookup are authentic and haven’t been tampered with. This is crucial for maintaining trust and security in today’s internet ecosystem.
Importance of DNS for Website Performance
The performance of a website heavily depends on how well its DNS is managed. Slow DNS resolution can lead to delayed page loading times, negatively affecting both user experience and SEO rankings.
Efficiently configured DNS servers and optimized DNS records ensure faster access to websites and a smoother browsing experience for users.
DNS and Security
In addition to DNSSEC, securing your DNS infrastructure is critical for safeguarding against threats like DNS spoofing and other cyberattacks.
Implementing strong security practices for DNS servers can help prevent unauthorized access and ensure that users reach the intended destination without risk.
Conclusion:
Essentially, DNS (Domain Name System) serves as the internet’s address book, enabling users to visit websites by typing their names.
In summary, the Domain Name System (DNS) plays a pivotal role in ensuring that users can access websites efficiently and securely. By translating domain names into IP addresses, DNS serves as the backbone of the internet, making the web more user-friendly.
However, issues like DNS resolution problems and security threats such as DNS spoofing highlight the importance of managing and securing your DNS settings effectively.
Understanding how DNS works, from its various DNS records to the crucial role of DNS servers, is essential for maintaining both website performance and security.
Configuring and monitoring DNS settings not only helps enhance user experience but also safeguards against potential cyber threats.
Take the time to familiarize yourself with your DNS settings and consider implementing security measures like DNSSEC to protect your online presence. A well-maintained DNS is the key to ensuring both reliable access and a secure internet environment for your users.
If you have any questions about what a DNS server is or how does DNS works, feel free to reach out to us. However, if you already know the dedicated IP address of a website, you won’t need DNS.