Is Name Server Same as DNS Server?
When it comes to managing websites and domains, there are several technical terms that can easily confuse beginners. One such common confusion is between name servers and DNS servers. While they are closely related, they serve different functions in the world of web hosting and domain management.
What is a Name Server?
A name server, also known as a domain name server or DNS server, is an essential component of the internet infrastructure. Its primary function is to translate human-readable domain names into IP addresses that computers can understand. In simpler terms, when you type a domain name in your browser’s address bar, the name server helps your computer find the correct IP address associated with that domain so that it can load the corresponding website.
What is a DNS Server?
A DNS server, which stands for Domain Name System server, is a type of name server. It handles the process of translating domain names into IP addresses and vice versa. In addition to resolving human-readable domain names into IP addresses like a regular name server, a DNS server also provides other important functions such as caching responses to improve performance and handling email routing for specific domains.
Differences Between Name Servers and DNS Servers
While both name servers and DNS servers are involved in the translation of domain names to IP addresses, there are some key differences between them:
- Name Servers: These servers are responsible for maintaining and managing specific domains’ records. They store information about which IP address corresponds to each subdomain or hostname within a particular domain.
- DNS Servers: These servers handle the overall process of resolving domain names across the internet. They store information about various domains’ records and help in routing internet traffic to the correct destination.
Conclusion
In summary, while name servers and DNS servers are closely related, they are not the same. Name servers are specific to individual domains and handle the translation of domain names into IP addresses for that domain.
On the other hand, DNS servers handle the overall process of resolving domain names across the internet. Understanding these differences will help you navigate the world of web hosting and domain management more effectively.