What is name server?
Name servers are a crucial component of the domain name System (DNS), which is responsible for translating human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses. In simpler terms, a name server is like a phone directory for the internet, helping to connect domain names with the actual servers where website content is stored.
In more technical terms, name servers are computers that are specifically designed to handle queries from other devices on the internet regarding the location of a domain name‘s corresponding ip address. This process is essential for the functioning of the internet, as it ensures that when a user types in a domain name in their web browser, they are directed to the correct server that houses the content they are looking for.
Without name servers, the internet would be much more difficult to navigate, as users would have to remember a series of random numbers (IP addresses) rather than easy-to-remember domain names.
How Name Servers Work
When a user types in a domain name (e.g. www.example.com) in their web browser, the browser sends a request to the dns resolver (usually provided by the Internet Service Provider) to translate the domain name into an IP address. The DNS resolver then queries the root name servers to find the authoritative name servers for the domain. These authoritative name servers are responsible for storing the DNS records of the domain, including the IP address of the website’s server.
Once the authoritative name servers are identified, the DNS resolver sends requests to them to obtain the IP address of the domain name the user is trying to access. The authoritative name servers then respond with the IP address, which is then used by the user’s web browser to connect to the server hosting the website‘s content.
Essentially, name servers are like the traffic directors of the internet, ensuring that users are directed to the correct destination when they type in a domain name.
Common Name Server Terms
To understand name servers better, it’s important to be familiar with some common terms related to them:
– Authoritative Name Server: These are the name servers that store the actual DNS records for a domain. When a DNS resolver needs to find the IP address of a domain name, it queries the authoritative name servers.
– DNS Records: These are the records stored on authoritative name servers that map domain names to IP addresses and perform other DNS-related tasks, such as handling email routing.
– Zone File: This is a file that contains the DNS records for a domain, including information about the domain’s name servers, IP addresses, and other DNS settings.
– DNS Resolver: This is a server that is responsible for handling DNS queries from clients and resolving domain names into IP addresses. It can be provided by an ISP or a third-party DNS service.
FAQs About Name Servers
Q: Can I have multiple name servers for my domain?
Q: What does it mean if my name servers are “unreachable”?
Q: Can I host my own name servers?
Q: How long does it take for name server changes to propagate?
Q: Can I change my name servers?
In Summary, Name servers are a fundamental part of the internet’s infrastructure, playing a crucial role in translating domain names into IP addresses and ensuring that users are directed to the correct servers when accessing websites. Understanding how name servers work and their importance can be beneficial for anyone with a presence on the internet, whether they are a website owner, a developer, or a casual internet user.
Conclusion
Overall, name servers are essential components of the internet that facilitate the smooth translation of domain names to IP addresses, ensuring seamless access to websites. Without name servers, the internet would be a far more complex and less user-friendly place. It is crucial for anyone managing a website or online presence to have a basic understanding of how name servers work and their significance in maintaining the functionality of the World Wide Web.
