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What is a DNS Server?

Explore the world of DNS servers, their role in the Internet infrastructure, types of DNS servers, DNS record types, security measures, and how to choose the right DNS server for your needs.

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What is a DNS Server?

DNS stands for Domain Name System. It's a system that translates human-friendly website names, like "www.example.com" into numerical IP addresses that computers use to communicate with each other.

When you type a website address into your browser, your computer doesn't inherently know where that website is located on the internet. It uses the DNS system to translate the domain name into an IP address, which identifies a device on the internet. Your computer then uses this IP address to find and connect to the server that hosts the website.

A DNS server, also known as a name server, is a computer that hosts the DNS service. It contains a database of public IP addresses and their associated domain names. When it receives a query for a specific domain name, it returns the corresponding IP address.

In essence, a DNS server acts like a phone book for the internet, translating human-friendly domain names into computer-friendly IP addresses.

How DNS Servers Work?

When you type a web address into your browser, your computer doesn't immediately know where to find the site. It first sends a request to a DNS server, asking for the IP address associated with the domain name. The DNS server then responds with the correct IP address, and your computer uses this address to navigate to the right site.

Types of DNS Servers

There are several types of DNS servers, including DNS Resolver, Root Server, TLD Server, and Authoritative Name Server. They play a unique role in converting domain names into IP addresses.

  1. Local DNS Server: This is the first stop in the DNS lookup process. It's typically managed by your internet service provider(ISP).
  2. DNS Root Server: If the local DNS server doesn't have the IP address information, it queries a Root Server, which knows where to direct the query next.
  3. TLD Server: The Root Server will direct the query to a Top-Level Domain (TLD) Server. These servers store information for domains under their specific TLD (e.g., .com, .org, .net, etc.).
  4. Authoritative Name Server: The TLD Server will finally direct the query to the correct Authoritative Name Server, which provides the final IP address.

What is a Primary DNS Server?

A primary DNS server, also known as a master DNS server, is the original authoritative source of a zone's resource records in the DNS architecture. A zone is a portion of the DNS namespace that a specific organization or administrator manages.

The primary DNS server holds the "master copy" of data in a DNS zone. When changes are made to the DNS records in a zone, such as adding new domains or changing the IP addresses of existing domains, these changes are made on the primary DNS server.

Once changes are made on the primary DNS server, they are propagated to secondary DNS servers (also known as slave servers) through a process called zone transfer. This ensures that the DNS data is consistent across all servers.

The primary DNS server plays a crucial role in DNS infrastructure. It is responsible for maintaining and updating the DNS records and ensuring that all secondary servers have the most up-to-date information. This is important for properly functioning the DNS system and ensuring that internet users are directed to the correct servers when they enter a domain name into their web browser.

How to Resolve the "DNS Server Isn't Responding" Issue?

Occasionally, when you enter a domain name into your browser's address bar, you might encounter an error message stating, "DNS server isn't responding." This indicates a failure in the DNS server's response.

A DNS server's inability to successfully carry out the resolution process can be attributed to a variety of factors. It could be an issue with your internet connection or your DNS settings. An outdated browser could also be the culprit. Alternatively, the problem might lie with the server itself, such as a temporary power outage.

Fortunately, there are several methods to rectify this error. Let's explore a few of these solutions:

  1. Change Your DNS Server: You could try changing your DNS server. For instance, you could use Google's public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare's DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).
  2. Restart Your Router: Sometimes, restarting your router can resolve the issue. You just need to turn off the router, wait for a minute, and then turn it back on.
  3. Flush DNS Cache: Your computer caches DNS query results, and sometimes these caches can cause problems. On Windows, you can open the command prompt and type "ipconfig /flushdns" to flush the DNS cache.
  4. Disable Extra Network Connections: If your computer has multiple network connections (e.g., wired and wireless), try disabling the extra connections.
  5. Check Firewall and Security Software: Sometimes, firewall or security software may block DNS queries. You can temporarily disable this software to see if the problem has been fixed.
  6. Update Network Drivers: Outdated network drivers can cause DNS issues. You could update your network drivers.

Advantages of Tencent EdgeOne DNS Service

Tencent EdgeOne DNS Service brings several advantages:

  1. Real-time Synchronization: DNS record modifications can be synchronized to the DNS server within seconds, ensuring the latest information is always available.
  2. Advanced DNS Configuration: Tencent EdgeOne provides acceleration and security solutions based on Tencent's edge computing nodes. These solutions are used in a variety of industries including e-commerce, retail, financial services, content information, and gaming to improve user experience.
  3. Data Metrics: Tencent EdgeOne analyzes access log data and provides various data metrics that can help in understanding and optimizing performance.
  4. L4 Proxy: The L4 proxy is an acceleration service of EdgeOne based on TCP/UDP, improving speed and reliability.
  5. Rule Engine: The rule engine is designed to meet more flexible business requirements through a rich rule language.
  6. Log Service: The log service allows you to build high-quality voice and video services.
  7. Easy DNS Record Configuration: Adding a DNS record is straightforward with the EdgeOne console. You simply log in, click on the target site, and add the record.

These advantages make Tencent EdgeOne DNS service an efficient, reliable, and secure DNS solution. You are welcome to Contact Us for more information.