DNS
DNS, or Domain Name System, is an essential component of the internet that allows for the translation of human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses. Every time you type in a website address into your browser, your computer sends a request to a DNS server to translate the domain name into the corresponding IP address to connect to the website.
Without DNS, you would need to remember the numerical IP address of every website you wanted to visit, which would be tedious and impractical. DNS makes the internet user-friendly by providing a directory service that maps domain names to IP addresses in real-time.
In addition to translating domain names, DNS also manages other types of internet addresses, like mail servers, FTP servers, and VOIP services. DNS is a distributed system, meaning that it operates through a network of servers that work together to provide the correct IP address for a requested domain name.
DNS can also help prevent fraud and hacking by verifying the authenticity of website addresses. Hackers often use fake website addresses that appear similar to legitimate ones to trick users into giving away their personal information. DNS validation protocols, like DNSSEC, can verify that a website's address is legitimate and has not been modified by an attacker.
Overall, DNS plays a crucial role in making the internet accessible and secure for its users. Understanding how DNS works can help you troubleshoot connection issues and stay safe online.