DNS (Domain Name System)

How domain names are translated into IP addresses in computer networks


+ What is DNS?

DNS (Domain Name System) is a network service that translates human-readable domain names (like google.com) into IP addresses that computers use to communicate.

+ Why is DNS important in computer networks?
  • Humans remember names, not IP addresses
  • Enables Internet browsing
  • Critical for applications, email, and services
  • Used in LAN, WAN, and enterprise networks
+ How does DNS work? (Name Resolution Process)
  1. User enters a website name
  2. Client checks local DNS cache
  3. Query sent to DNS server
  4. DNS server returns IP address
  5. Browser connects using IP
+ Common DNS Record Types
  • A – Maps domain to IPv4 address
  • AAAA – Maps domain to IPv6 address
  • CNAME – Alias for another domain
  • MX – Mail server record
+ Local DNS vs Public DNS

Local DNS is used inside organizations, while public DNS (Google DNS, Cloudflare DNS) is used for Internet name resolution.

+ Real-World Example

In enterprise networks and hospitals, internal DNS resolves server names, applications, and services without exposing them to the public Internet.