Domain Name System (DNS)

What is a Domain Name System (DNS)?

Essentially, the Domain Name System functions like an internet phonebook. DNS makes it easier for users to navigate and make the most of the internet. Rather than having to recall an entire string of numbers (also known as an IP address), DNS turns simple domain names (for instance, www.atera.com) into a stable numerical address that computers can use to access those sites. 

DNS allows people to seamlessly surf the web, visit their favorite websites, and access their online services, like streaming and banking websites. To truly comprehend how the internet functions, as well as maintain strong network performance and security, you need to have a firm understanding of DNS. 

What is the function of the Domain Name System?

It can be overwhelming to try and grasp the function of the DNS, but when you break it down, it’s simple enough to understand. DNS is a hierarchical, decentralized naming system that has multiple uses including, but not limited to identifying computers, web services, and other resources on the internet or private networks.

DNS works by translating domain names into numerical IP addresses (so from our previous example, www.atera.com becomes 190.0.1.1). Computers will use this IP address to locate each other on the network. This is why DNS functions like an internet directory – when you type a web address into the browser, you are directed to the correct site. 

Without DNS, the internet could not function. We need DNS so users can access websites without having to memorize and type in complex numerical addresses. Through this translation, DNS makes internet navigation easy and the experience enjoyable for users. 

Basic concepts of DNS

Domain names

Domain names are human-legible addresses needed to access websites. Every domain name is linked to an IP address. 

IP addresses

IP addresses are numerical labels assigned to every device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication.

How DNS translates domain names into IP addresses

As soon as you enter a domain name into your web browser, DNS will take the domain name and translate it into its corresponding IP address. This interaction allows your device to find and connect to the right web server.

Throughout this process, DNS dissolves complex, numerical IP addresses and turns them into domain names, which are easy to recall and type into a browser. DNS is an essential internet process, needed for making internet navigation simple and easy to access.

Step-by-step process of how DNS works

DNS functions by following a series of steps known as DNS resolution. DNS resolution translates human-comprehensible domain names into IP addresses that machines understand. To understand this process, follow these steps…

Step 1: DNS query initiation

This process begins the second you type a domain name into your web browser. From there, your computer will begin a DNS query to locate the IP address associated with the proper domain name.

Step 2: Recursive DNS resolver

The first thing your query reaches is a recursive DNS resolver. For the most part, the DNS resolver is managed by your internet service provider (ISP). The resolver must find the answer to your query, and it does so by communicating with other DNS servers.

Step 3: Root name servers

Afterward, the recursive resolver will send your query to one of the root name servers. These servers function as the starting points for DNS resolution. Their job is to then direct your query to the right top-level domain (TLD) name server.

Step 4: TLD name servers

Next, the root server responds with the TLD name server addresses that correspond directly to the domain’s extensions (the term “extensions” refers to the part of the web address that looks like .com, .org. .net, etc.). Then, the resolver will query the TLD server for the domain’s IP address. 

Step 5: Authoritative name servers

The next step is for the TLD server to direct the resolver to the authentic name servers that contain the specific IP address for whatever domain you requested. These servers are responsible for holding the actual DNS records for the specified domain. 

Step 6: Returning the IP address

The final step is that the authoritative name server returns to the user with the IP address linked to the domain name. The recursive revolver will pass the information back to your computer. 

And there you have it! That’s how a DNS works. 

Example scenario of a DNS lookup

If you want to visualize how a DNS Lookup functions, follow along with this hypothetical example…

• Type www.atera.com into your browser of choice. 
• Your browser will send the DNS query to the recursive resolver. 
• From there, the recursive resolver queries a root name server, which will send it to the .com TLD name server. 
• The .com TLD server directs the resolver to the authoritative name server for www.atera.com. 
• The authoritative name server will then return the IP address for www.atera.com. 
• The browser takes the IP address it has received and uses it to link with the web server that hosts www.atera.com. 
• At this point, the website will be loaded for you to view and access. 

This sounds like a long process, but it actually happens in milliseconds! You can thank the DNS lookup for making this experience quick, seamless, and efficient. 

Key components of DNS

If this process is still a bit hard to comprehend, it’s just because the key components of a Domain Name System port can be somewhat confusing. Here’s what you need to understand:

Domain names and their structure

Domain names are the web addresses we know, love, and use every day, like www.atera.com. They’re structured in a specific way, using subdomains, second-level domains, and top-level domains.

• Subdomains: Subdomains branch off of the main domain and are used to organize different sections of a website. For example, https://it-game.atera.com is a subdomain of the more broad atera.com website. 
• Second-level domains (SLDs): This is the main part of the domain name. It is responsible for representing the organizations or entity, such as “Atera” in www.atera.com. 
• Top-level domains (TLDs): These are what finishes off a domain name, such as .com, .org, .net, and country-specific endings like .uk or .jp.

DNS servers

DNS servers are a crucial part of the DNS system. They function as translators and guides for the internet, and they work to turn domain names into IP addresses. There are several main types you should be aware of. Let’s explore them… 

Recursive DNS servers

Recursive DNS Servers do the bulk of the work through finding the IP address of a domain through asking other DNS servers. They are typically managed by your internet service provider (ISP) or a third-party service.

Authoritative DNS servers

Authoritative DNS Servers have the last say about any and all domain names under their control. They provide the DNS record essential for answering queries. 

Root servers

These are the highest-level servers that work to locate where to find the authoritative servers for all top-level domains. They are the first step for DNS resolution.

Together, these components work to ensure that when you enter a domain name into your browser, you will find the right website, and your journey there will be fast and seamless. 

Types of DNS queries

From the moment you type a website address into your browser, your computer will utilize different types of DNS queries to match you with the IP address. Here is an overview of the different types of DNS queries… 

Recursive queries

With a recursive query, the dynamic Domain Name System server does everything and anything the client needs. It will parse through the DNS hierarchy until it finds the answer or the error. Think of it like asking a librarian to find a specific book for you – they will search the stacks until they can deliver you what you’ve asked for.

Iterative queries

In terms of iterative queries, the DNS server will provide the very best answer to a question it can, often bouncing the client to a different server if it can’t find the answer for you. From there, the client queries the referred server, and the process goes on. Think of it as if your librarian could not find the book you want so instead sent you off to another library to see if they have the book. 

Non-recursive queries

Non-recursive queries occur when the DNS server is already aware of the answer thanks to its cache or because it is authoritative for the domain. This is the fastest type of query. Imagine it like a librarian knowing immediately where to find the book you want, without having to search for it. 

These are the query types that ensure efficient resolution of domain names, ensuring that the process remains speedy and efficient. 

DNS security

It is of the utmost importance that the DNS system remains secure and safe, since it is a prime target for cyberattacks. Here are some of the most prevalent threats and the security measures designed to fight against them.

Unfortunately, cyber attacks are all too common, and there are many different types of cyber attacks internet users can suffer from. Threats to DNS are no different, and common ones include the following… 

DNS spoofing

Imagine you are trying to visit your favorite clothes website, but you’re taken to a shady, malicious site instead. That’s the result of DNS spoofing, where attackers corrupt the DNS system and trick it into taking you to the wrong place. DNS spoofing is also called “cache poisoning.” 

DDoS attacks

DDoS attacks will flood servers with an impossible-to-manage amount of requests. Just like if there are too many cars on a highway, and a traffic jam erupts, or too many people trying to take the stairs, and the route stops up, DDoS attacks make it impossible to access your site. When DDoS attacks happen, avoid flow monitoring. 

Be aware of these types of attacks and, of course, look into vulnerability management options.

DNS security measures

In addition to common types of attacks, here are some security measures to consider in order to maintain control of your DNS safety… 

Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC)

Think of DNSSEC like a stamp of authenticity on the DNS process. DNSSEC is used to add cryptographic signatures to DNS data, guaranteeing that the information you receive is legitimate and has not been intruded upon.

DNS over HTTPS (DoH)

This is a method used to encrypt DNS queries, meaning it will be much harder for outsiders to meddle with or observe your browsing activities. It’s similar to sending letters with envelopes rather than postcards… not everyone can see what is inside. 

Implementing and managing DNS for your domain

To set up your domain’s DNS, you’ll just have to follow a few quick steps.

1. Register your domain name with a domain registrar.
2. Once registered, configure your domain’s DNS settings. 
3. This typically means setting up DNS records like A, CNAME, and MX records, which point to your web and email servers. 

To make sure your DNS will have smooth management, you’ll want to follow best practices. This includes updating your DNS records on a regular schedule, utilizing secure and reliable DNS providers, and adding an element of redundancy by utilizing multiple DNS servers. 

Additionally, you’ll need to monitor DNS performance and security, so you can easily and quickly identify and resolve any security issues that arise. 

There are multiple tools and services you can implement to manage DNS productively. Popular DNS management tools include cloud-based services like… 

• Amazon Route 53
• Google Cloud DNS
• Cloudfare DNS

You can expect user-friendly interfaces, advanced features, and robust security measures from these platforms. They are designed to simplify DNS management and bolster reliability. 

DNS in modern networking

DNS is a fundamental aspect of modern networking, particularly in the context of cloud computing. Businesses are increasingly shifting their business to the cloud, which means DNS is essential now more than ever to reliably route traffic to various cloud services. Thanks to this process, you can expect reliability and seamlessness when you try to access your sites.

DNS is responsible for translating the human-readable domain names into IP addresses, which enables users to connect to cloud resources without having to retain complex, long numerical addresses.

By making these connections, DNS helps cloud-based applications and services remain fluid, accessible, and seamless to access.

Additionally, DNS is integral to the functioning of Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), which are formulated for content distribution to users based on where they’re located geographically. CDNs use DNS to resolve queries to the nearest server, thereby ensuring web content is delivered quickly and efficiently.

The result of this is reduced load times, improved website performance, and overall enhanced user experience. This is because content is being served from the optimal location. 

DNS is indispensable in a myriad of areas, and one of those areas is the Internet of Things (IoT). With the exorbitant amount of connected devices in the modern era, DNS assists in managing and identifying this large amount of IoT devices.

DNS facilitates the discovery and communication of devices within a network, which ensures that they can connect with other devices and interact between devices seamlessly. DNS enables IoT discovery and accessibility. It plays a fundamental part in securing and operating smart homes, industrial automation, and other IoT applications.

Our world is more interconnected than it ever has been, and as our reliance on devices only increases, the importance of DNS grows in turn. DNS ensures that IoT decides have top-tier communication, which supports this ecosystem of device interaction. There is also IoT software available to maintain IoT devices. 

Enhancing DNS management with Atera’s all-in-one IT platform

Managing DNS efficiently and effectively is an essential aspect of seamless operation within any network. Atera offers robust, comprehensive solutions to make this task easy. With Atera’s all-in-one IT management platform, you will be able to seamlessly manage DNS settings and DNS configurations, which will result in optimal performance and network security. 

Atera does everything you need! Atera provides tools for monitoring DNS traffic, detecting potential issues, and automating routine and essential DNS management tasks. Atera offers this comprehensive approach and in doing so, helps IT professionals maintain the integrity and reliability of their DNS infrastructure. 

Through investing in Atera’s platform, you can rest assured that your DNS is well-maintained, which will reduce downtime and enhance the user experience. Additionally, Atera utilizes an intuitive interface and powerful features, which makes DNS management straightforward and efficient. With Atera, you’ll never have to worry about DNS again, and you can focus on all the other aspects of your IT environment!  

Take control of your DNS

To sum it all up, recognizing the importance of the DNS is crucial for anyone who has to manage network infrastructure. DNS is essential not only for simplifying how we maneuver the internet but also for maneuvering the critical role of traffic routing and internet scalability.

Making sure your DNS practices are legitimate will enhance your security, improve your network and company performance, and promise smooth operation throughout your network. 

Examine the tools and resources available for you to best manage your DNS. If you stay informed and implement DNS best practices, you will be able to protect your network from security threats and optimize DNS performance. 

Say goodbye to your DNS woes with Atera! Atera offers a one-stop-shop IT management platform, which provides users comprehensive DNS management tools, so you can streamline your processes and enhance your network’s reliability.You can take a chance on Atera and watch your DNS management practices transform before your eyes. Atera is guaranteed to open your eyes and show you just how much your IT management system can do for you.