What is DNS in Networking? Full-Form, Working and Uses

DNS in computer networking is a tech that converts human-written website names into machine-understandable IP addresses. It allows people on the Internet to visit websites without remembering the IP address of that website.

In this article, we will learn about DNS and how DNS works. We will understand different components of DNS, like DNS servers, and understand important concepts like DNS caching, DNS poisoning, DNS lookup, etc

Furthermore, if you are a networking professional and want to gain a better understanding of DNS and its troubleshooting, you can also enroll in a networking courses.

What is DNS?

DNS stands for Domain Name System. It is a service that converts human-readable domain names (like www.google.com) into machine-readable IP addresses (such as 142.251.223.110). It eliminates the need for internet users to remember numerical IP addresses to surf the web.

From Google.com to Numbers: A Fun Peek Into DNS Magic!

You type Google.com every day, right? But guess what, your computer has no idea what that means! To your device, you're actually visiting a machine with the IP address 142.251.223.110. That’s like the computer’s version of Google’s home address.

So how does your computer figure it out? Using DNS. It is like the internet’s phonebook! It stores the domain names and their respective IP address, so that when you enter the name Google.com, it can translate it into the IP address your computer understands.

Here is a fun experiment:

Open your browser and type this: http://142.251.223.110

Surprise! You’ll land on Google, just like magic (well, tech magic)!

What is a DNS Server?

A DNS server is a specialized computer with a database that maps domain names to their associated public IP addresses. It stores all the website names and their IP addresses, so that the end user does not need to remember the IP addresses of these websites.

When users type a domain name, such as `Fortinet.com` or `Yahoo.com`, into their browser’s address bar, the DNS server retrieves the appropriate IP address for these domains and automatically guides the user’s device to the website.

Once the DNS server identifies the right IP address, web browsers utilize this information to send data requests to the Content Delivery Network (CDN) edge servers or origin servers. This process begins with the DNS server finding the IP address linked to a website's URL.

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What Data is Stored in a DNS Server?

The database in a DNS server stores various kinds of data to assist in the operation of DNS. Some of these records are:

2. AAAA Records: Links a domain name to an IPv6 address.

3. CNAME (Canonical Name) Records: Points one domain name to another, acting as an alias.

4. MX (Mail Exchange) Records: Directs email traffic to the correct mail servers for a domain.

5. TXT Records: Stores text-based data, often used for email verification and security.

6. NS (Name Server) Records: Identifies the authoritative name servers responsible for handling DNS queries for a domain.

Types of DNS Servers

DNS functions using its four types of DNS servers to provide the necessary IP address:

1. DNS Recursor (Resolver)

This is the first server your device talks to when you try to visit a website. It acts like a helper that goes out and finds the IP address you need by asking other DNS servers.

2. Root Nameservers

Once the recursor gets the request, it asks the root nameserver, which is like the top-level guide. It doesn’t know the final answer, but points in the right direction, the TLD nameserver.

3. TLD (Top-Level Domain) Nameservers

These servers handle domains like .com, .org, or .net. They help narrow down the search by pointing to the server that knows about the specific website you're looking for.

4. Authoritative Nameservers

These are the final stops. They hold the actual IP address for the website. Once the recursor gets the answer from here, it sends it back to your device so your browser can load the site.

Authoritative vs Recursive DNS Servers: What's the Difference?

The distinction between authoritative DNS servers and recursive DNS servers is significant. Authoritative nameservers store DNS records and respond directly to queries about specific domain names. In contrast, recursive servers act as intermediaries between the user and the authoritative servers, navigating the DNS hierarchy to retrieve the necessary records.

The table below shows a comparison between Authoritative vs Recursive DNS Servers and lists major differences between them.

Working Process of DNS

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how DNS works to convert domain names into IP address:

Step 1. User Enters the Domain Name

When a user types a URL into a web browser, the browser first checks if it already has the IP address cached. If not, it initiates a DNS query to resolve the domain name.

Step 2. System Requests IP Address from DNS Resolver

The request goes to a recursive resolver, usually provided by the user’s Internet Service Provider (ISP). The resolver's job is to find the IP address associated with the domain name, beginning with the root of the DNS hierarchy.

Step 3. Resolver Begins Search at the Root Level

If the recursive resolver doesn’t have the domain’s IP cached, it queries a root name server. Root name servers manage information for the top-level domains (TLDs) like `.com`, `.org`, or `.net`, and direct the resolver to the appropriate TLD name server for the domain requested.

Step 4. Domain Extension is Checked for Direction

The resolver then queries the TLD name server, which holds information for the specific domain suffix (e.g., `.com`). The TLD server directs the resolver to the authoritative name server for the domain.

Step 5. Exact IP Address is Retrieved from Final Source

The authoritative name server holds the DNS records for the specific domain (e.g., `example.com`) and provides the IP address associated with the domain. This response is then returned to the recursive resolver.

Step 6. IP Address is Sent Back to the Browser

The recursive resolver sends the IP address back to the user’s device, which uses it to initiate a connection to the web server associated with that IP. The web server then responds, and the user sees the website.

Step 7. Result is Saved for Faster Future Access

Both the recursive resolver and the user’s device typically cache the DNS response for a specified period (known as the Time to Live or TTL), making future requests for the same domain faster by avoiding the full resolution process.

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What is the “DNS Server Not Responding” Error?

The most common DNS Server Error is the "DNS server is not responding". This error message indicates that the attempt to communicate with the DNS server failed. Possible causes include:

● An unstable or weak internet connection, hindering communication with the DNS server.

● Outdated DNS settings or browser configurations.

● Issues with the DNS server itself, such as power outages at its data center.

How to Solve the Error?

You can switch to a Public DNS server like Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).

In Windows:

1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.

2. Right-click your connection > Properties.

3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Properties.

4. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and enter the above values.

In macOS:

1. Go to System Settings > Network.

2. Select your connection > Details > DNS.

3. Add the DNS addresses manually.

Best DNS Servers

Several notable DNS services available for free are:

1. Cloudflare (1.1.1.1): Known for its user-friendly setup, Cloudflare provides tutorials for various operating systems and includes options for blocking adult content.

2. Google Public DNS: Designed for more technical users, Google’s DNS service also guides setup.

3. Quad9: Renowned for its speed, Quad9’s service also utilizes threat intelligence to block access to malicious sites.

Also Check: Popular Cloud Service Providers.

What is DNS Caching?

DNS Caching is a technique used by both operating systems and browsers to store DNS records. By storing the frequently needed domain information, there will be no need to repeatedly query the DNS server for the same information. If a device has recently accessed a website, the IP address can be retrieved from its cache, speeding up the connection process.

OS DNS Caching refers to the process by which an operating system stores a local copy of recent DNS lookups. This helps speed up web browsing by allowing the system to quickly retrieve the IP address of a website (like google.com) without having to ask a DNS server again every time you visit it.

What is DNS Cache Poisoning?

DNS cache poisoning, also known as DNS spoofing, is a security vulnerability where corrupt DNS data is inserted into a resolver’s cache. This can lead to users being directed to malicious websites instead of the intended sites.

How to Perform a DNS Lookup?

Each domain has associated DNS records that can be accessed via nameservers. Users can check the status of these records using tools like the NSLOOKUP command on Windows.

To perform a DNS lookup:

Step 1. Open the Windows command prompt (Start > Command Prompt or Run > CMD).

Step 2. Type `NSLOOKUP` and hit Enter; this sets the default server to your local DNS.

Step 3. Specify the type of DNS record by entering `set type=`, where `` represents the desired record type (e.g., A, AAAA, CNAME).

Step 4. Enter the domain name you wish to query and press Enter.

Step 5. The NSLOOKUP command will return the record entries for the specified domain.

DNS Queries

During the DNS lookup process, three types of queries can be executed to optimize the resolution of DNS requests:

● Recursive Query: The resolver must obtain the complete answer to the query.

● Iterative Query: The resolver may receive a referral to another server instead of a complete answer.

● Non-recursive Query: The resolver provides an answer from its cache.

Benefits of Paid DNS Services

While many users may find free DNS sufficient, premium services like ClouDNS, Amazon Route 53, DNS Made Easy, etc, offer numerous advantages, including:

● Dynamic DNS (DDNS): This service allows remote access to home computers by mapping changing IP addresses to a domain name.

● Secondary DNS: Provides backup to ensure domain availability during outages.

● Management Interface: Paid services often include user-friendly dashboards for easy management.

● Enhanced Security: Paid DNS services typically offer additional security features.

● Performance Guarantees: Premium services come with service-level agreements (SLAs) that ensure high DNS resolution rates.

● Customer Support: Paid services usually provide dedicated customer support for troubleshooting and inquiries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Domain Name System is a foundational element of the Internet, simplifying navigation and communication. By transforming user-friendly domain names into IP addresses, DNS servers enable seamless access to online resources, enhancing the overall user experience.

Understanding DNS's functionality and structure is essential for anyone involved in network management or internet usage.