What is DNS?

DNS stands for Domain Name System. It is often described as the “phonebook of the internet.” DNS translates human-readable website names into IP addresses that computers can understand.

For example, when you type google.com into your browser, your computer does not automatically know where that website is located. It sends a request to a DNS server, which finds the correct IP address for that domain name. Once the IP address is found, your device can connect to the website’s server.

Without DNS, users would need to remember long strings of numbers instead of simple website names.

DNS works in steps. First, your browser checks if it already knows the IP address. If not, it asks a DNS resolver, which may contact other DNS servers to find the correct information. Once found, the result is stored temporarily to make future visits faster.

DNS is a critical part of the internet’s infrastructure. However, because it directs traffic, it can also be targeted by cyberattacks, which is why secure DNS systems are important.

In summary, DNS translates domain names into IP addresses, allowing users to access websites using easy-to-remember names.