A Domain Name System or DNS is like the phonebook for the whole internet. It resolves domain names (such as nordvpn.com) into the IP addresses used by machines to connect to each other. In other words, it translates the long, complex numeric names of web servers into human language, and the other way around.
After entering a domain name (for example, by typing it in your browser), your device sends a DNS query to a DNS resolver
The DNS resolver checks its cache or asks other DNS servers to link the domain name to an IP address
The DNS resolver gives your device the correct IP address (“resolves” the domain)
Your device attempts to open a connection to the IP address
While most people use public DNS services run by their chosen internet service provider (ISP), anyone can set up their own DNS server. This practice, known as private DNS, allows the server’s owner to have full control over available IP addresses and network access.
Private DNS is essential for your privacy and security, since your ISP’s public DNS servers record every DNS query that you make — and ISPs are often legally required to keep these records for years.
Virtual private networks (VPN) like NordVPN also use DNS to help your device navigate. Our private DNS servers will safely handle all DNS requests, keeping everyone else out of the loop. NordVPN will protect you automatically — even your ISP will only know that you’ve logged in to our servers, and we’ll take care of everything from there.
Private DNS is essential for your privacy and security, since your ISP’s public DNS servers record every DNS query that you make — and ISPs are often legally required to keep these records for years.
If you’re looking to game online, you’re looking for speed — and due to using advanced infrastructure to process your DNS requests, NordVPN delivers lightning-quick DNS resolution times. All VPNs will slow down your online gaming experience a little due to encrypting your data, but with NordVPN, you probably won’t even notice it.