What Is DNS Server Address?

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Angela Bailey

A DNS (Domain Name System) server address is a numerical label assigned to a device connected to the internet. It functions as a translator between domain names and IP addresses, allowing users to access websites by typing in easy-to-remember URLs instead of complicated numerical addresses.

The Importance of DNS Server Address

When you type in a web address, such as www.example.com, your computer sends a request to a DNS server to resolve the domain name into an IP address. This IP address is then used to locate and connect to the website you want to visit.

Having a reliable DNS server address is essential for smooth internet browsing. It ensures that your requests are quickly and accurately resolved, improving your overall online experience.

Types of DNS Server Addresses

There are two main types of DNS server addresses: primary and secondary.

Primary DNS Server Address

The primary DNS server address is the first point of contact for your device when resolving domain names. It stores the necessary information about various domains and their corresponding IP addresses. When you enter a URL into your browser, your device sends a request to the primary DNS server for resolution.

Secondary DNS Server Address

The secondary DNS server address acts as a backup to the primary server. If the primary server fails or becomes unreachable, your device automatically switches to using the secondary server for resolving domain names. Having a secondary DNS server ensures uninterrupted internet connectivity even in case of primary server failures.

How to Find Your DNS Server Address

Finding your current DNS server address can be helpful if you need to troubleshoot network issues or configure specific settings. Here’s how you can find it:

  • Windows: Open the Command Prompt and type “ipconfig /all“. Look for the “DNS Servers” entry under your active network connection.
  • macOS: Go to System Preferences, select the network connection you are using, click on “Advanced,” and navigate to the “DNS” tab.

    The DNS server addresses will be listed here.

  • Linux: Open a terminal and enter “cat /etc/resolv.conf“. The DNS server addresses will be displayed in the output.

Note that your DNS server address can be set manually or obtained automatically from your internet service provider (ISP) or router configuration.

Changing Your DNS Server Address

If you want to change your DNS server address, you can do so by adjusting your device or router settings. By using different DNS servers, you may potentially enhance your internet speed, security, or access certain region-restricted content.

To change your DNS server address:

  1. Windows: Go to Network and Sharing Center in Control Panel, click on “Change adapter settings,” right-click on your active network connection, select “Properties,” double-click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4),” and choose either “Use the following DNS server addresses” or “Obtain DNS server address automatically. “
  2. macOS: Follow the steps mentioned earlier to reach the “DNS” tab of your network connection’s advanced settings.

    You can then manually enter new DNS server addresses or reset to obtain them automatically.

  3. Linux: Edit “/etc/resolv.conf” file using a text editor like nano or vi. Modify the existing nameserver entries or add new ones. Save the file and restart your network connection.

Remember to research and choose reputable DNS servers before making any changes.

In Conclusion

A DNS server address is a crucial component of internet connectivity. It allows you to access websites using user-friendly domain names instead of complex IP addresses. Understanding how DNS works, finding your current DNS server address, and knowing how to change it can be beneficial for troubleshooting network issues and optimizing your online experience.

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