DNS is one of the most important and essential pieces when it comes to the Internet. Without it, it will be very hard for humans to search, connect, and explore different websites. So, let’s explain a little bit more about it!
What is DNS?
Thanks to the Domain Name System (DNS), we are able to use the Internet as simple as it is in present days. However, it is an infrastructure with vast functionality. In its foundation is the database with all of the domain names and their corresponding IP addresses.
A long DNS process is triggered once a user types a domain name for connecting with it. So, the domain name has to be translated to a language that machines understand, which are the IP addresses. That is necessary because the machines communicate with one and another through numbers. Finally, when the IP address corresponding to the domain name is resolved, it can be delivered to the browser of the user. So, the user is able to reach and explore the website. In the time when DNS was not created yet, the user would have to type an IP address, for instance, 56.155.208.13. Instead, it is much easier to remember and type a domain name, for example, domain.com. Thus, DNS gave the opportunity for humans to use the Internet and successfully communicate with machines efficiently.
What is DNS used for?
- It makes searching on the Internet flexible, easy, and simple.
- The Domain resolution process is crucial.
- Load balancing
- DNS caching
- Email servers and routing the messages
- Additionally, for service’s routing
- Verifying of services, servers, e-mails, and so on.
What is the structure of DNS?
The domain name space has a structure on several levels, and various DNS servers are positioned all around the world. On the top of the structure above all stands the root. The level below is for different top-level domains (TLDs). Under them are the secondary domains and subdomains.
Root level – This is the origin of the DNS. When the DNS resolution process is initiated, the search starts from this level. After that, it proceeds to one of the name servers for the domain’s TLD. It is represented with a dot “.” at the end of the domain name. However, everyday users don’t use it.
TLD level – The top-level domains are every extension you have probably seen, such as .com, .net, .co.uk, .info, and so on. Within the TLD name servers, you are going to receive the answer, for which name servers hold the information about the domain name you are seeking for.
Second level domain. This is the name of the website that you are searching for without the TLD extension. For instance, Google, from google.com.
Subdomain level – This is the subpart of the domain name. You can see it before the domain name. Moreover, it is divided by a dot (“.”). For instance, a blog subdomain is blog.google.com.
Why is it so important?
DNS is so essential because, without it, every action on the Internet is going to take a more prolonged time, and it is going to challenge us, humans, to memorize a bunch of information. The DNS assists communication on the Internet, plus it makes domain name queries seem so fast and straightforward. Thanks to the system, you can connect to nearly every website 24/7.
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