DNS is a complex topic and deserves proper attention. So, let’s explain a little bit more about DNS!
DNS explained.
The Domain Name System, or for short DNS, is an infrastructure that makes the experience on the Internet for people way less complicated. It has great and enormous functionality. However, in its foundation, the Domain Name System has a database with all of the existent domain names and the IP addresses which correspond to them.
When you type a domain name that you desire to visit, the DNS process is triggered. But, first, the domain name has to be translated to a language that is understandable for machines, which are the IP addresses. Machines are able to connect and communicate with each other through numbers. So once the required IP address, which is associated with the domain name, is found, it is sent back to your browser. Now you can successfully connect and explore the website.
If DNS were not created, people would have to enter complicated long IP addresses to reach a particular website. Imagine how challenging it would be to memorize several website’s addresses! So instead, DNS allowed humans to easily type domain names, which are further translated to numbers for the machines.
History of the Domain Name System (DNS)
Hierarchy
The Domain Name System is created in a precise way. Every level of it is responsible for different parts of the domain name. Everything is hierarchically structured.
- In the DNS hierarchy on the highest level is the Root level. It includes all root name servers. They are responsible for the first step of resolving every domain name. In addition, root name servers hold information about all of the top-level domains. This level is represented with a dot (.) at the end of the domain name. – example.com.
- The next level is for the Top-Level Domain (TLD). They are represented with the extension of the domain, such as .com, .net, .org, .info, .de etc. – example.com.
- The Second Level Domain is usually the part that indicates the company that registered the domain name through a domain name registrar. – example.com.
- The Subdomain is typically an additional part of the domain name. It could be implemented as further navigation through the separate sections of the website. – blog.example.com
DNS purpose
DNS was developed to make the usage of the Internet quick and practical. Thanks to it, we easily surf through the unlimited Internet space without any difficulties.
DNS helps with resolving domain names to IP addresses. Thus, we are not required to remember long and complex numbers.
The Domain Name System locates and identifies different hosts on the Internet, and they can successfully communicate.
It locates and also identifies various services on the Internet.
The Domain Name System could be used as a load balancing mechanism and additionally for redundancy.
The Domain Name System can be applied for routing a service.
It could also be used for the verification of hosts, services, e-mails, and more.