Back to Hosting

What is a Name Server?

3 min to read

A name server interprets regular domains such as www.example.com into machine-readable IP addresses.

The translation is important because computers communicate over the internet through the use of IP addresses while humans communicate with the help of domain names.

Key Takeaways:
  • Name servers translate domain names to IP addresses, allowing internet navigation
  • DNS works based on a distributed system of name servers which is hierarchical to perform the task efficiently
  • You can manage the name servers through your registrar, but still, other factors can also affect your domain’s presence on the internet
Hocoos small logo Answers Hosting

What is a Name Server?

What is the relationship between name servers and DNS?

Name servers constitute an essential element of the domain name system. DNS can be equated to a phone book of the internet with the only difference that the numeric addresses are mapped in the place of the people’s names. Name servers provide a place to keep and work with the DNS records relevant to these mappings.

Deep Dive:
DNS is used in a broad sense while the term nameservers stands for the servers that keep and manage DNS records in the DNS system.

What are the different types of name servers?

There are four primary types of name servers, each one performing an essential task within the DNS:

  • Recursive Name Servers: These are the customer support representatives in the world of DNS. They are the ones who receive questions from your computer and if necessary, go out to other name servers for answers which are in the form of IP address information.

  • Authoritative Name Servers: They store records of a particular domain, that maps that domain to its IP address.

  • Root Name Servers: These are the “top-level directories” of the structure. They contain information about the authoritative name servers for the domains of top level such as, .com, .net, .org.

  • TLD Name Servers: These are the “mid-level directories” for specific top-level domains. They store information about the authoritative name servers for domains within their TLD (e.g., the .com TLD name servers would know where to find the authoritative name servers for example.com).

How do I find the name servers for my domain?

There are several methods you can use to locate your domain’s name servers.

  • Examine the control panel of your domain registrar: This is normally the most direct option. Your registrar (the company that sold you your domain name) will have an area in your account settings that will show you your name servers.

  • Search for the domain: Check with Whois lookup tools. The Whois record for your domain usually includes its name servers.

  • Use DNS lookup tools: Command-line utilities such as dig or DNS lookup which usually return queries from the DNS can also be used to lookup your name servers.
Pro Tip:
In case you lack the technical know-how, contact the domain registrar support team for help.

How do I change my name servers?

Here are the suggested steps you can follow, but keep in mind that to modify your name servers, you will have to access the control panel provided by your domain registrar.

  1. Locate the section that allows you to manage DNS or name servers.
  2. Edit the current name server details and replace them with the details given to you by your hosting provider or DNS service.
  3. Make sure to save the modifications made.
Deep Dive:
Patience is required. This process may take just a couple of hours or days to fully reflect across the internet as a result of DNS caching.

Conclusion

As part of the DNS system, name servers provide an essential and useful service in the functioning of the internet by converting website addresses into numerical forms. Once we comprehend their role and relationships with each other within the DNS hierarchy, we can manage our online presence more vigorously. Whether it’s for temporary access to a particular website or for the sole purpose of learning how a web application works.

Other articles that can help

READY TO KICK-START YOUR SMALL BUSINESS JOURNEY?

Important Consideration: The information provided by our expert team is designed to give you a general understanding of the website creation process and the features available to you. It's important to note that this information is not a substitute for professional advice tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Read our editorial standards for Answers content.
Our goal is to empower you to create an amazing website. If you have questions or need guidance during the building process, don’t hesitate to Contact us. We're happy to provide assistance and point you in the right direction.