What is DNS?

DNS (The Domain Name System) provides visitors access to websites through domain names.

How does DNS work? DNS translates human-speak (domain names) into computer-speak (IP addresses). IP addresses are strings of numbers used by every computer connected to the Internet to identify its location and communicate with other computers and web servers. For example, 128.0.1.2 is an IP address. So, DNS translates the domain name coolexample.com to an IP address: 208.109.80.196. Without DNS, you would have to know the IP address of every website you want to visit.

How does DNS know which IP address to use? Each domain name has all of its DNS information stored in a file known as its zone file. Large collections of zone files for different domains are stored on name servers. Domain names then point to nameservers to locate their zone files — however, a domain name must point to the nameserver holding its zone file to work properly.

How do I know which nameserver to use? You only need to update your nameserver when changes are made to your website's hosting. The company hosting your website provides either your website's nameservers or IP address. Then, provide this information to you domain name's registrar. Once you've updated your nameservers or IP address, your website is accessible with a web browser in 24 to 48 hours.