What Is DNS Server in IP Settings?
In the world of networking, the Domain Name System (DNS) plays a vital role in translating domain names into machine-readable IP addresses. Every device connected to the internet, whether it’s a computer, smartphone, or tablet, uses DNS servers to resolve domain names and access websites.
Understanding DNS Servers
A DNS server is a specialized computer that holds a database of domain names and their corresponding IP addresses. Whenever you type a URL into your web browser or click on a link, your device contacts a DNS server to obtain the IP address associated with that particular domain name.
Think of DNS servers as an address book for the internet. They provide the necessary information required to connect your device to the appropriate website or online service.
How DNS Servers Work
When you enter a URL in your web browser, it sends a request to your configured DNS server. The DNS server then checks its database, known as the DNS cache, for the corresponding IP address. If it finds a match, it immediately returns the IP address to your device.
If the requested domain name is not already stored in the cache or has expired due to time restrictions, the DNS server needs to perform additional steps:
- The DNS server sends a query to other authoritative servers in search of the IP address for the specified domain name.
- If successful, it stores this information in its cache for future reference and returns the IP address to your device.
- If unsuccessful, it continues querying authoritative servers until it finds an answer or determines that no such domain exists.
Benefits of Using DNS Servers
DNS servers offer several benefits:
- Speed: By storing frequently accessed domain names and their IP addresses, DNS servers provide faster responses compared to querying authoritative servers every time.
- Redundancy: DNS servers are designed with redundancy in mind. If one server fails or becomes overloaded, there are multiple backup servers ready to take over the workload.
- Security: DNS servers can help protect against phishing attacks and malware by blocking access to known malicious websites.
Configuring DNS Servers
To configure DNS server settings on your device:
- Windows:
- Open the Control Panel and navigate to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
- Select your active network connection and click on “Properties”.
- In the Properties window, scroll down to find “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” or “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)”.
- Select the desired option and click on “Properties”.
- In the new window, choose “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter the preferred DNS server address.
- Click “OK” to save the changes.
- macOS:
- Navigate to System Preferences > Network.
- Select your active network connection from the left sidebar.
- Android:
- Open the Settings app and navigate to Wi-Fi or Network & Internet (depending on your Android version).
- Select the Wi-Fi network you are connected to.
- iOS:
- Open the Settings app and go to Wi-Fi.
Type in the preferred DNS server address(s).
Click “OK” to save the changes.
Scroll down and find the IP settings section.
Select “Static” or “Manual” and enter the preferred DNS server address(s).
Save the changes and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network.
Scroll down and tap on “Configure DNS”.
Select “Manual”.
Add DNS server addresses by tapping on “Add Server”.
Tap “Save” to save the changes.
In Conclusion
DNS servers are an integral part of internet connectivity, allowing devices to translate domain names into IP addresses. Understanding how DNS servers work can help troubleshoot connectivity issues and optimize network performance.
By configuring your DNS server settings, you can also enhance security and browsing speed. So, make sure to choose reliable DNS servers based on your requirements for a seamless internet experience!