DNS Servers – What are they and how to use them?
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A DNS server is a critical component of the internet that enables the translation of human-readable domain names into IP addresses. It acts as a phonebook for the internet, helping devices and computers find the correct website or service when a user types in a URL or clicks on a link.
Key Takeaways
- A DNS server translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses, enabling user-friendly navigation on the internet.
- DNS servers work by receiving a domain name query from a client and forwarding it through a hierarchy of DNS servers until the corresponding IP address is found.
- There are various types of DNS servers, including recursive, authoritative, caching, and forwarding servers, each serving a specific function in the DNS resolution process.
- DNS servers not only simplify web access but also improve load distribution, redundancy, and security for website traffic.
- Understanding how DNS servers operate is crucial for troubleshooting internet connectivity issues and optimizing online performance.
How does a DNS server work?
When you enter a domain name into your web browser, your computer sends a request to a DNS server to obtain the corresponding IP address. The DNS server then searches its database or contacts other DNS servers to find the IP address associated with the domain name. Once the IP address is found, it is returned to your computer, enabling it to establish a connection with the requested website or service.
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Why is a DNS server important?
Without DNS servers, users would have to remember complex numerical IP addresses for every website they want to visit, making the internet much less user-friendly. Instead, DNS servers take care of the behind-the-scenes translation and ensure that users can easily access the web.
DNS servers maintain a database of domain names and their corresponding IP addresses. When a user requests access to a website, the DNS server looks up the IP address associated with the domain name and directs the user’s device to the correct location.
Related Read: What is a DNS NS Record?
Types of DNS Servers
The most common types of DNS servers are:
1. Recursive DNS Server
A recursive DNS server is a type of DNS server that receives DNS queries from clients and then resolves them by forwarding them to another DNS server or server.
2. Authoritative DNS Server
An authoritative nameserver contains the definitive answer for a particular domain name. An authoritative name server can be configured to provide answers to queries different than what it receives from its upstream resolver.
3. Caching DNS servers
These servers store DNS information temporarily, reducing the need to make frequent requests to authoritative servers and improving response times.
4. Forwarding DNS servers
These servers forward DNS queries to other DNS servers if they don’t have the requested information in their cache.
Related Read:
What is the purpose of a DNS Server?
DNS servers act as a database and directory, translating human-readable domain names into IP addresses so that users can easily access websites and online services. This is essential for website creation as it enables users to access the web by typing in a simple and memorable domain name instead of having to remember complex numerical IP addresses.
DNS servers also help to distribute the load of incoming traffic, ensure redundancy and reliability, and protect against cyber threats. They maintain a database of domain names and their corresponding IP addresses and direct users to the correct location when a request is made.
In short, they act as a bridge between human-readable domain names and technical IP addresses, making the internet more user-friendly and efficient for users worldwide.
How do DNS servers resolve DNS queries?
Resolving a DNS query is the same as telling your computer to look up a certain IP address and establish a connection. To accomplish this, it makes use of the Domain Name System (DNS) server, which consists of several interconnected servers:
- DNS recursive resolver
- Root name servers
- TLD nameservers
- Authoritative nameservers
Here’s a general overview of how a DNS query is resolved:
- Domain Name Resolution: The first step in the DNS process is to resolve a domain name into its corresponding IP address. This is done by a client, such as a web browser or email client, when it needs to access a website or send an email.
- Client Query: The client sends a query to its local DNS resolver, asking for the IP address of the domain it wants to access.
- Local DNS Resolver: The local DNS resolver is responsible for checking its cache to see if it already has the information for the requested domain. If it does, it returns the IP address to the client.
- Recursive Query: If the local DNS resolver does not have the information in its cache, it sends a recursive query to a root DNS server.
- Root DNS Server: The root DNS server responds to the recursive query with a referral to the top-level domain (TLD) DNS server responsible for the TLD of the requested domain.
- TLD DNS Server: The TLD DNS server responds to the query by referring to the authoritative DNS server responsible for the specific domain.
- Authoritative DNS Server: The authoritative DNS server is responsible for maintaining the records for the specific domain. It responds to the query with the IP address of the domain.
- Client Cache: The client cache stores the IP address of the domain it has looked up. The next time the client needs to access the same domain, it can use the cached IP address instead of going through the entire DNS process again.
- Client Connects to Website: Finally, the client uses the IP address to connect to the website or server it wants to access, and the process is complete.
DNS Server Failures
Reasons why DNS servers fail may include malicious hacking attempts and hardware failure. When the Internet was young, problems with DNS servers had serious consequences.
In recent times, the DNS has a lot of built-in redundancy, which is a huge relief. Most Internet service providers (ISPs) offer redundant recursive resolvers for their customers, and there are many copies of the root DNS servers and TLD nameservers. (Personal computer users may also employ public DNS resolvers such as Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1.) Popular websites typically have many copies of their authoritative nameservers.
Some users may experience delays in the event of a big DNS server failure due to the volume of requests being handled by backup servers. Still, only a massive DNS outage would render a significant chunk of the Internet inaccessible.
DNS Server FAQs
Who operates DNS servers?
DNS servers are operated by various entities. Internet service providers (ISPs), organizations, businesses, and even individuals can operate DNS servers. Additionally, there are global DNS servers maintained by organizations like the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and regional organizations responsible for managing specific top-level
domains.
Which one of these translates human-readable words to IP addresses for the computer?
The DNS (Domain Name System) is responsible for translating human-readable domain names (such as “example.com”) into IP addresses (such as “192.0.2.1”) that computers can understand.
During the name resolution process, which server does a local recursive server contact first?
During the name resolution process, a local recursive server typically contacts a root DNS server first.
Are DNS servers secure?
DNS servers can be vulnerable to various security threats. For example, DNS spoofing or DNS cache poisoning attacks can redirect users to malicious websites. However, efforts are made to enhance DNS security, such as implementing DNSSEC.
Can I run my own DNS server?
Yes, it is possible to run your own DNS server. However, it requires technical knowledge and expertise to properly configure and maintain a DNS server.
Can a DNS server affect internet speed?
Yes, a DNS server can impact internet speed. The time it takes for a DNS server to respond to a query can affect the overall time it takes to load a website.
Final Words
A DNS server is a fundamental component of the internet infrastructure, enabling seamless communication between devices and services. It plays a vital role in facilitating web browsing, load balancing, and network efficiency. As technology evolves, efforts to improve DNS security and introduce encryption protocols continue to strengthen the reliability and integrity of DNS services.
Domain & Email Security Expert at PowerDMARC
Ahona is the Marketing Manager at PowerDMARC, with 5+ years of experience in writing about cybersecurity topics, specializing in domain and email security. Ahona holds a post-graduation degree in Journalism and Communications, solidifying her career in the security sector since 2019.
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