DNS Server

DNS servers translate domain names into IP addresses so that computers can process them. Domain name systems label websites with descriptors that are accessible for human users, rather than an IP address in numerical format. A computer network processes IP addresses; DNS servers bridge the gap by performing a search process for the IP address that corresponds to the domain name that a user has entered (webopedia.com, for example). Different DNS servers perform different parts of the query and return process. A DNS resolver, which is responsible for initiating the search for an IP address, begins the DNS process by making queries to servers.

Types of DNS servers

A recursive DNS server searches other servers after receiving a query from the DNS resolver. The recursive server keeps copies of cached IP address records for a period of time, so if the IP address has been recently accessed, the recursive server may be able to pass it directly back to the user’s application.

A root name server receives a query from the recursive server and searches the top-level domain (TLD) servers for the corresponding IP address.

Top-level domain servers categorize the top level domains (such as .com or .org). When a root name server makes a request to the appropriate TLD server, that server will then search only the relevant domain.

Authoritative name servers are the last resort of a DNS server query process. They store all IP address records. An authoritative name server will return the IP address record to the recursive server, and the recursive server will send it to the computer/application that made the initial request.






Jenna Phipps
Jenna Phipps
Jenna Phipps is a writer for Webopedia.com, Enterprise Storage Forum, and CIO Insight. She covers data storage systems and data management, information technology security, and enterprise software solutions.
Get the Free Newsletter
Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis
This email address is invalid.
Get the Free Newsletter
Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis
This email address is invalid.

Related Articles

Complete List of Cybersecurity Acronyms

Cybersecurity news and best practices are full of acronyms and abbreviations. Without understanding what each one means, it's difficult to comprehend the significance of...

Human Resources Management System

A Human Resources Management System (HRMS) is a software application that supports many functions of a company's Human Resources department, including benefits administration, payroll,...

How To Defend Yourself Against Identity Theft

Almost every worldwide government agency responsible for identity theft issues will tell you the same thing: The first step to fighting identity theft is...

Infographic

An infographic is a visual representation of information or data. It combines the words information and graphic and includes a collection of imagery, charts,...

ScalaHosting

ScalaHosting is a leading managed hosting provider that offers secure, scalable, and affordable...

HRIS

Human resources information system (HRIS) solutions help businesses manage multiple facets of their...

Best Managed Service Providers...

In today's business world, managed services are more critical than ever. They can...