DNS (Domain Name System) is an Internet service that translates web domain names into IP addresses. A domain name is the address of a specific website, such as Google.com or Microsoft.com, and an IP address is a numerical code that computers use to communicate with each other. DNS is what allows users to type in a web address and have the website delivered to their computer.
DNS was originally developed in 1983 by Paul Mockapetris and was originally called the Domain Name System. It was designed to be a distributed database, which allows each domain name to be assigned to an IP address by a central authority, and to store and retrieve information related to it.
The use of DNS is essential to the operation of the Internet, as it is what allows users to type in a web address and have the website delivered to their computer. It also allows computers to locate each other and allows for the establishment of secure connections. Furthermore, DNS is used by web servers to direct visitors to the correct web page and to send emails and other communication to the right destination.
In order to ensure that DNS is efficient and reliable, it is maintained by an international network of servers called the DNS root servers. Each server holds a copy of the DNS database which is distributed to other servers on the network. This process ensures that requests for domain names are quickly answered and routed to the correct destination.
In addition to its use in routing web traffic, DNS is also used for other functions such as geo-location. This is done by assigning domain names to specific locations, allowing users to search for websites based on location. It is also used in email filtering, allowing for the creation of rules that block or whitelist incoming emails based on domain names.
DNS is a vital part of the Internet, allowing users to browse the web, send emails, and perform other tasks. It is maintained by networks of servers, and is constantly being updated to ensure that domain names are correctly routed and that websites and emails are delivered to their correct destinations.
