DNS resolution
DNS resolution
(also DNS lookup)
DNS resolution definition
DNS resolution refers to translating an IP address to a domain name, allowing users to access the website through the site’s URL. An IP address consists of numbers identifying a website on the network. To keep it user-friendly, we use domain names rather than IP addresses. Domain (or DNS) resolution converts domain names to IP addresses.
How DNS resolution works
- A user types a URL into the address bar. When they hit “Enter,” the browser sends a DNS query to find the website for this address.
- The query interacts with the recursive resolver server, typically operated by your ISP, your wireless carrier, or a third-party provider.
- The recursive resolver talks to a root server. Root servers run globally and know DNS information about top-level domains (TDLs).
- Each TDL stores DNS information about second-level domains within the top-level domain. When the query reaches the TDL, it provides the IP address of the domain’s name server.
- The DNS provides the full IP address of the domain to the recursive resolver.
- Finally, the website appears on the user’s screen.