DNS stands for Domain Name System. It is a fundamental system that makes it possible to connect a domain name (such as www.example.dk) with an IP address (a series of numbers, e.g. 192.0.2.1), which computers use to find and communicate with each other over the internet. DNS acts like the internet's "phonebook", translating readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses so users can access websites without having to remember complex strings of digits.
How does DNS work?
When you enter a domain name in your browser, a process begins where DNS plays a central role:
- Request: The browser sends a request to a DNS server to find the IP address associated with the domain name.
- Lookup: The DNS server looks up in its registry and returns the correct IP address to the browser.
- Connection: The browser then uses the IP address to connect to the server where the website is hosted, and the content is loaded.
This process happens in the blink of an eye, and users hardly notice it, but it is crucial for internet traffic to function correctly.
Why is DNS important?
DNS is an indispensable part of the internet's infrastructure. Without DNS we would need to remember IP addresses to visit websites, which would make the internet far less user-friendly. DNS ensures that:
- Easy access to websites: Users can access websites by using domain names, which are easy to remember, instead of complex IP addresses.
- Scalability: DNS makes it possible for the internet to scale, so more websites and devices can be added without hassle.
- Flexibility: Websites can move to new servers with different IP addresses, without users needing to know about the change, because the domain name remains the same.
Security and DNS
DNS can be a target for cyber attacks, such as DNS spoofing, where malicious actors try to redirect users to fake websites by manipulating DNS records. To protect users and websites, technologies like DNSSEC (DNS Security Extensions) are used, which add an extra layer of security by ensuring that DNS information is not altered.
DNS is thus a crucial technology that makes the internet easily accessible and user-friendly for everyone.