How Does DNS Work

 

DNS definition

DNS-The Domain Name System (DNS) converts domain names into IP addresses that browsers use to retrieve Internet pages. Every device connected to the Internet has its IP address, which other devices use to find the device. DNS servers allow people to type common words into their browsers, such as Fortinet.com, without having to track the IP address of each website.

What is a DNS server?

A DNS server is a computer with a database containing public IP addresses associated with the names of websites to which a user’s IP address leads. DNS works like a phone book for the Internet. Whenever people type domain names like Fortinet.com or Yahoo.com into the address bar of web browsers, DNS finds the correct IP address. A website’s IP address is what directs a device to the right place to access the website’s data.

Once the DNS server finds the correct IP address, browsers take the address and use it to send data to content delivery network (CDN) edge servers or origin servers. Once you do this, the user can access the information on the site. The DNS server starts the process by finding the corresponding IP address for the web’s Uniform Resource Locator (URL).

How does DNS work?

DNS Work

In a typical DNS query, the URL entered by the user must pass through four servers to provide an IP address. These four servers work together to get the client the correct IP address and include:

1. DNS recursor: A DNS recursor, which is also referred to as a DNS resolver, receives a query from a DNS client. It then communicates with other DNS servers to find the correct IP address. After the translator reads the request from the client, the translator acts as the client itself. In doing so, it creates queries that are sent to three other DNS servers: root name servers, top-level domain (TLD) name servers, and authoritative name servers.

2. Root name servers: The root name server is for the Internet DNS root zone. Its job is to respond to requests sent to entries in the root zone. It responds to requests by sending back a list of authoritative name servers that match the correct TLD.

3. TLD Name Servers: A TLD name server stores the IP address of the second-level domain contained in the TLD name. It then releases the site’s IP address and sends a query to the domain’s name server.

4. Authoritative Name Servers: An authoritative name server is what gives you the actual answer to your DNS query. There are two types of authoritative name servers: a master or primary name server and a slave or secondary name server. The master server keeps the original copies of the zone records, while the slave server is an exact copy of the master server. It shares the DNS server load and acts as a backup if the master server fails.

DNS servers and IP addresses

Computers and various devices that use the Internet rely on IP addresses to send a user request to the web page they are trying to access. Without DNS, you would have to keep track of the IP addresses of all the websites you visit, much like carrying around a phone book of websites. The DNS server allows you to enter the name of the website. It will then go off and get the correct IP address for you. Armed with the IP address, your computer (or browser) can bring you to the site.

For example, if you type www.fortinet.com into a web browser, that URL alone cannot bring you to the site. These letters cannot be “read” by the servers that connect you to the site. However, servers can read IP addresses. The DNS server finds out which IP address corresponds to www.fortinet.com and sends it to your browser. Then the website will appear on your device screen because the browser now knows where to take your device.

The best DNS servers

Here are some of the best DNS servers available:

1. Cloudflare 1.1.1.1. It is an easy-to-use DNS service that includes tutorials for all the most popular operating systems such as Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux. Users can also use Cloudflare to block adult content.

2. Google Public DNS. Google Public DNS differs from Cloudflare in that it is intended for more technically savvy users. But you can find tutorials if needed.

3. Quad9. Quad9’s DNS service is known for its fast performance. It also claims to block malicious websites using threat data.

DNS server not responding? What does it mean?

After entering the domain name in the address bar of the browser, the message “DNS server is not responding” may appear. This means that an attempt was made to communicate with the DNS server, but the server failed to return a result. This can be caused by a few different things:

1. Your Internet connection is weak or unstable, making it difficult for your browser to communicate with the DNS server

2. You need to update your DNS settings or browser

3. There is a problem with the DNS server, such as a power failure in the data center where it is located

Free vs. Paid DNS Servers: What’s the Difference?

In some cases, the average user may not need a paid DNS server. However, there are significant benefits to paying for premium DNS.

1. Dynamic DNS (DDNS): DDNS maps Internet domains and assigns them to IP addresses. This allows you to access your home computer no matter where you are in the world. DDNS differs from regular DNS because it works with changing or dynamic IP addresses, making it a good choice for home networks.

2. Secondary DNS: A secondary DNS name server ensures that your domain does not go offline. It gives you a redundancy or backup that can be accessed in the event of a complication.

3. Management interface: Many paid DNS servers offer users a dashboard that they can use to manage their service and fine-tune it according to their needs.

4. Two-Factor Authentication: You can ensure your domain is protected with an extra level of authentication.

5. Greater security: When you use a paid DNS server, you get an extra layer of security protection. This helps protect your website from attackers.

6. Better and faster performance: A paid DNS server comes with a service level agreement (SLA). Each SLA guarantees a high level of DNS resolution, often between 99% and 100%.

7. Customer Service: With a paid DNS server, you get the added benefit of customer service that can answer questions and resolve any issues.

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