Domain Name System: Everything You Need to Know About DNS
Have you ever wondered how effortlessly you can type a simple web address and end up exactly where you want to be? Since the internet is a huge, interconnected web of information, you could’ve at least landed on the wrong page once.
Behind this simplicity is a complex system that makes it work seamlessly. The Domain Name System (DNS) is the one that’s responsible for directing traffic to the right places.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about DNS, from how it works to why it’s essential.
What is DNS?
The Domain Name System is like the internet’s phone book. When visiting a website, you usually type in a domain name like example.com or domain.com. However, computers don’t communicate this way; they communicate using numerical identifiers or so-called Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, a series of numbers like 172.64.145.59.
The Domain Name System acts as a translator that matches domain names with their corresponding IP addresses. Without it, you’d have to memorize long strings of numbers for every website you visit.
How does the Domain Name System work?
The work of the DNS is to convert domain names into IP addresses to load a page you’d want to visit. To understand how DNS works, let’s break down the four different hardware components, or DNS servers, responsible for loading a page.
The four DNS servers involved in the process are:
- DNS resolvers. The first stop on your web browsing journey. It acts as a middleman between your device and other DNS servers. Its job is to take your request and find the right path to the answer.
- Root nameservers. Root nameservers are at the top of the DNS hierarchy. Only thirteen root servers are placed specifically in different parts of the world, handling millions of requests daily. They are responsible for directing the DNS resolver on which path to take.
- Top-level domain (TLD) nameservers. These servers play a vital role in the efficiency of the DNS. They hold information about specific domain extensions, like .com, .org, and .net, helping to narrow down the search based on the domain type you’re looking for.
- Authoritative name servers. This is where the destination of your DNS query takes place. An authoritative server holds the exact IP address for the domain name
DNS lookup process
When searching for a website using its domain name, the DNS will go through its database to find its corresponding IP address. To completely understand the DNS resolution process, let’s break this down into further detail and examine the DNS lookup process.
- DNS Query. Imagine you’re trying to visit domain.com. When you type domain.com into your browser, it starts checking its cache memory to see if it already knows the IP address for domain.com. If it doesn’t, it triggers a DNS query where your device sends a request to a DNS resolver to find the IP address.
- DNS resolver. The DNS resolver, or a recursive DNS server, is your internet service provider (ISP). Upon receiving your query, it starts checking its own cache to see if it already knows the IP address. If it doesn’t, it starts asking the root server.
- Root nameserver. Although the root server is at the top of the DNS lookup chain, it doesn’t know the specific IP address for the domain name you’re looking for. However, it does know which server to send the DNS resolver to. It directs the DNS resolver to the appropriate TLD server, such as .com, .org, and .net. In this case, domain.com is in the .com TLD server.
- TLD nameserver. This server holds information about domain names under that specific extension. For instance, the .com TLD server will provide information about where to find Domain.com’s IP address. So, in this case, the TLD name server will provide details of which specific authoritative server domain.com belongs, lee.ns.cloudflare.com.
- Authoritative server. The resolver finally reaches the authoritative DNS server. Each domain has its own authoritative DNS servers. These servers store the domain’s actual DNS records, including IP addresses. This server gives the resolver the IP address for domain.com.
- Connecting to the website. This is the last step of this process. With the IP address in hand, the resolver then sends the information to your browser so you can load the website on your screen.
This whole process usually takes just a fraction of a second!
Types of DNS query
DNS queries are the request made to find the IP address of a domain name. There are three types of DNS queries that work differently to ensure that you get a response as quickly as possible.
- Recursive query. In this query, the requesting host (your device) asks a local DNS server to find the exact answer to its request. If the local DNS server can’t find the information, it should return with an error message.
- Iterative query. In this situation, the requesting host asks the server for the best answer. So, suppose the local DNS server can’t provide the answer. In that case, the DNS resolver queries another DNS server to find the right answer. The process then continues until it finds the answer or a timeout occurs.
- Non-recursive query. This happens when the server already knows the answer, either because it’s authoritative for that information or the record has been cached.
What is DNS caching?
DNS caching is the process of storing data temporarily on your device. Instead of going through the whole DNS process each time you visit a website, your device stores necessary information for a period. This speeds up the DNS lookup process, which helps improve website load times.
There are three main types of DNS cache for this process.
- Browser cache. These are cached DNS information by your web browser, like Chrome and Safari. The next time you visit the same website, your browser will pull up the cached data instead of going through the DNS system again.
- Operating system (OS) level cache. It acts as the middleman between your browser and DNS resolver. Data is stored through your computer’s operating system, such as Windows and macOS. This means that if your browser can’t find the date in its cached memory, the OS can.
- Resolver Cache. Like every other cache, the DNS resolver checks its memory to see if it already has the IP address translation to a specific domain. If it doesn’t, that’s when it starts asking the root server.
Common DNS issues
Although DNS is a powerful system and an essential part of internet browsing, it still faces issues that may disrupt user experience. Here are the most common DNS issues.
- DNS Propagation. When a new domain is registered, or changes are made to existing ones, updates may take time to spread across all DNS servers worldwide. This process can take up to two days, which may cause some users to see old versions of a website while others see the new ones.
- Slow DNS lookups. Sometimes, DNS queries take longer than usual. This usually happens due to overloaded servers, network latency, or using a slow DNS provider.
- DNS Server Downtime. This happens when the DNS server is not responding to your query or request. This error is often due to server downtime, misconfiguration, or network problems.
- Cache Poisoning. This security issue is where hackers tamper with a DNS record by adding false information into the DNS cache. When this happens, you’ll notice that you’re being redirected to a malicious website without your knowledge.
Tips to avoid common DNS issues
While the DNS may face common issues, you can still minimize the chances of encountering such problems by applying these few proactive steps.
Use a reliable DNS provider
Switching to a reliable public DNS server can improve your browsing experience. DNS providers, like Google Public DNS and Cloudflare, are known for their speed, reliability, and security.
Use DNSSEC
Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) adds an extra layer of protection by ensuring that the DNS information your device receives is not altered. It’s also equally important for website owners to protect their websites from DNS spoofing and other security threats.
Clear your DNS cache regularly
This simple process can prevent you from receiving outdated website information to ensure that your device gets fresh DNS data.
Update your DNS records
For website owners, making sure that your DNS records are always updated with the latest changes is essential. It can prevent resolution errors that may cause your website to be inaccessible.
Importance of DNS
For internet users, DNS is crucial since it’s responsible for locating IP addresses to access content. Since DNS servers can store data for some time, this storing process allows servers and devices to respond to DNS queries quickly.
This efficient process makes it easy for people to browse the internet. Slow or misconfigured DNS can lead to delays and timeouts.
Additionally, reliable DNS is equally important for website owners. It’s responsible for how quickly a visitor can access your site. A slow and unreliable DNS can lead to lost traffic and poor user experience.
Lastly, having a website or a domain name that’s registered within the Domain Name System also enhances your website’s credibility and accessibility.
DNS registration
Registering your domain name to the Domain Name System is essential for website owners and those planning to start their online journey. It lets people know that your website exists, is credible, and is accessible.
Domain registrars, like domain.com, work with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to register a website’s domain name and link it with their corresponding IP addresses.
With Domain.com, registering your ideal domain name has been made easy. Here are 7 simple steps for you to follow.
- Open your web browser and visit Domain.com.
- On the homepage, there’s a search bar where you can enter your preferred domain name. Type in your desired domain name and click Search to check its availability.
- If the domain name is available, it’s automatically added to your cart. You’ll see it listed along with the price. If The domain name is not available, Domain.com will provide alternatives.
- In the shopping cart list, you can choose how long you want to register the domain—typically, the minimum is one year. Still, you can opt for longer periods if you prefer.
The Domain Privacy + Protection is automatically added to your cart as well. This masks your personal information on the WHOIS database to protect you from identity theft, spam, and fraud. You can also opt to remove this from your cart. Click Continue.
- Review your purchase. You may also buy domain add-ons for additional domain name services like Google Workspace Email, web hosting, SSL certificate, and SiteLock.
- Once you’ve finalized the items on your cart, click Proceed to billing. Enter your payment details to complete the purchase. For new customers, you’ll be asked to create an account during this stage.
- After payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email from Domain.com with details about your new domain name. Now, you can manage your domain, including setting up your website or making any DNS changes, through your Domain.com account.
Manage your domain with Domain.com
The Domain Name System is the backbone of everyone’s internet journey, so managing your domain is essential. This process allows for a faster and more reliable website, which Domain.com has made easier. With Domain.com, you can easily update your domain’s DNS records, ensuring that the DNS servers always have the correct domain information.
Let Domain.com handle all your domain management needs. Its powerful tools and reliable customer support ensure your website gets the traffic and security it deserves. Remember that a well-managed DNS can keep your online experience seamless, secure, and efficient.
Frequently asked questions
DNS servers are devices or programs that handle DNS queries from desktops and mobile operating systems, also known as clients. They communicate with each other to resolve a query, translating domain names into their corresponding IP addresses.
If the DNS fails, your device won’t be able to find the right IP address for your website, resulting in errors that will prevent you from accessing the website until the issue is resolved.
You can test your DNS settings using tools like nslookup or DNSchecker.org. These tools will help you verify if your DNS records are right and that your device is reaching the right servers
If security, privacy, and speed are your priorities, using a public DNS server, like those from Google and Cloudflare, is your best option. However, if you don’t have any privacy concerns and are good with your ISP’s DNS speed, sticking with it is equally fine.
DNSSEC or Domain Name System Security Extensions are extra layers of DNS security. It ensures that the DNS servers send an authentic and unaltered response. Website owners must protect their websites from DNS spoofing and other security threats.