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What is a DNS?

4 min to read

The DNS, or Domain Name System, is the internet’s equivalent of a telephone directory. It takes a website name that can be easily read by a human (such as www.example.com) and translates it into numbers used by the computer to locate each other (192.0.2.1 as an example of an IP address).

This is important because while computers communicate using IP addresses, it is much easier for human beings to memorize and use names instead of a sequence of numbers.

Key Takeaways:
  • DNS translates the website's name into a numerical IP address
  • Several elements collaborate for the proper operation of the DNS
  • Being acquainted with common DNS problems may be useful for technical support and connection
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What is a DNS?

What are the key components of DNS?

The main components of DNS include:

  • IP addresses: These are unique numbers that identify devices connected to a network.

  • Name servers: These are the servers that save and manage the DNS database. They act like the librarians of the internet’s phonebook.

  • DNS records: Data that links IP Addresses to domains and other related information.

  • Resolvers: Clients, such as web browsers, that make queries to the name server to convert domain names into respective IP Addresses.

The combination of these components makes sure that when you enter a website’s name in your browser, your machine can look for an IP address that will connect you to the desired server.

Pro Tip: 
Remember that DNS is a distributed system, meaning these elements cooperate across the web to ensure a smooth experience.

What are some common DNS record types?

Common DNS record types are:

  • A record: Translates a domain name into an IPv4 address.

  • AAAA record: Translates domain name to IPv6 address. 

  • CNAME record: Allows a domain name to point to another by creating an alias.  

  • MX record: This record type defines the mail servers needed to receive emails for a specific domain.

  • TXT record: Usually utilized for configuration or verification, it is used to store arbitrary text information.

  • NS record: Indicate the name servers that are authoritative within a zone.

Each record type has its functionality that enables your domain name to operate and communicate with different systems on the web.

Pro Tip: 
If you’re self-managing your own domain, learn about these record types and ensure any necessary adjustments. Hocoos AI gives you the option to create a new domain or use an existing one. The website builder offers a step-by-step guide that shows how you can connect your domain.

What is a DNS server?

A DNS server is a specific server that handles and keeps the DNS records. It interacts with the resolvers’ queries (for instance, a web browser) and returns the IP address corresponding to a specified domain.

The different types of DNS servers include:

  • Recursive resolvers

  • Authoritative name servers

  • Caching name servers

Each of the listed elements plays a specific role in the DNS resolution process.

Pro Tip: 
If you choose to buy your domain from Hocoos AI, it won’t be necessary to set it up because it is automatically connected to the website. If you own a domain and need to manage it, then you need to access the domain provider’s account to set up the DNS records.

What are some common DNS issues and how to troubleshoot them?

Some common DNS issues you may encounter include:

  • DNS propagation delays: Updates on the DNS records may take time to fully synchronize across the global network.

  • Incorrect DNS configuration: Wrongly set up DNS records may cause the website to be unavailable or delay email delivery.

  • DNS hijacking: DNS records can be manipulated to send traffic to illegitimate websites by malicious actors.

  • DNS cache poisoning: DNS caches can be fed with false data by attackers which may cause inappropriate resolutions.

For DNS troubles, it is advisable to follow these steps:

  • Clearing your local DNS cache: This ensures your computer downloads fresh and new DNS records.

  • Checking your DNS settings: Double-check if you’re utilizing the accurate DNS server addresses.

  • Contacting your DNS provider or domain registrar: If the above steps do not help, you can contact your domain registrar or DNS provider. They may be able to help with important diagnoses and complex issues.

  • Using online DNS diagnostic tools: These tools help narrow down the various issues. 

Conclusion 

The existence of a Domain Name System (DNS) is a vital aspect of the Internet infrastructure. It converts friendly website names into computer address formats that can be used to access the site, but situations like DNS errors might cause temporary disruptions. Nevertheless, these issues can usually be resolved with simple troubleshooting procedures. Having an idea of what DNS is and how it works is greatly beneficial as it helps to navigate seamlessly on the web.

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