DNS (Domain Name System) is the internet's phone book. It translates human-readable domain names like "google.com" into IP addresses like "142.250.80.46" that computers use to communicate.
How DNS Works
When you type a URL in your browser, a complex lookup process begins:
- 1. Browser checks its cache for the IP
- 2. Operating system checks its cache
- 3. Query sent to your configured DNS server (usually ISP)
- 4. DNS server queries root nameservers
- 5. Root servers direct to TLD servers (.com, .org, etc.)
- 6. TLD servers direct to authoritative nameservers
- 7. Authoritative server returns the IP address
- 8. Result cached at each level for future requests
Common DNS Record Types
A Record
Maps a domain to an IPv4 address. The most common record type.
AAAA Record
Maps a domain to an IPv6 address.
CNAME Record
Creates an alias from one domain to another. Useful for subdomains.
MX Record
Specifies mail servers for receiving email. Includes priority values.
TXT Record
Stores text information. Used for verification, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.
Choosing a DNS Provider
- Cloudflare (1.1.1.1): Fast, privacy-focused
- Google (8.8.8.8): Reliable, widely used
- Quad9 (9.9.9.9): Security-focused, blocks malware
- OpenDNS (208.67.222.222): Family-friendly filtering options
Use our DNS Lookup tool to query any domain's DNS records and troubleshoot issues.
Common DNS Problems
- DNS server not responding: Try switching DNS providers
- NXDOMAIN: Domain doesn't exist or isn't configured
- Slow lookups: Change to faster DNS servers
- DNS propagation: Changes can take 24-48 hours worldwide