What is a DNS?

The Domain Name System (DNS) functions as a phone book for the internet, translating human-readable website names, such as www.jurassic-fibre.com, into unique numerical identifiers known as IP addresses (e.g 185.147.244.). Computers use these IP addresses to locate and connect to each other online.

This system plays a crucial role in simplifying our interaction with the internet. Instead of dealing with complex numerical IP addresses, we can use easy-to-remember domain names when accessing websites. When you enter a web address in your browser, the DNS helps your device find the correct server on the internet by translating the domain name into the corresponding IP address. This process ensures a seamless experience for users when navigating the internet.

How does a DNS Work?

The DNS works through a series of steps that involve different servers collaborating to translate user-friendly domain names into machine-readable IP addresses. When you type a website’s domain name, your device checks its local cache for the IP address. If not found, it contacts a DNS resolver, which navigates through root DNS servers, top-level domain (TLD) DNS servers, and authoritative DNS servers to obtain the IP address. This process allows efficient communication between devices on the internet. 

DNS is crucial in the internet ecosystem because it simplifies the way we interact with the online world. It transforms complex numerical IP addresses into easy-to-remember domain names, making web navigation user-friendly. The decentralised nature of DNS ensures reliability, and its global functionality enables universal access to websites, contributing to a seamless and accessible internet experience.

How can DNS affect your Internet speed?

The speed of individual web pages appearing on your computer can be influenced by the Domain Name System (DNS). When you enter a website’s name, the DNS translates it into a numerical address, and if the DNS server is slow, it can cause delays before the webpage loads. Choosing a fast and reliable DNS server and ensuring proper network configuration can optimise this process. Once a connection is established, the DNS generally doesn’t impact download speeds, as the focus shifts to the efficiency of the established connection for data transfer.

In summary, the DNS translates user-friendly domain names into machine-readable IP addresses. This system simplifies web navigation and ensures a seamless online experience. Understanding how DNS works and its impact on speed empowers users to optimise their internet connection. Choose fast DNS servers and maintain proper configurations for quicker webpage loading. Explore Jurassic Fibre’s services for high-speed internet, and contact us to start your journey to a faster online experience!