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DNS resolver

What is a DNS resolver?

A DNS (Domain Name System) resolver is a crucial component of the DNS infrastructure that translates human-readable domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses (like 192.0.2.1), which computers use to identify each other on the network. This translation process is essential because, while humans find domain names easy to remember, computers and network devices operate using numerical IP addresses. The DNS resolver acts as an intermediary between users and the DNS system, querying various DNS servers to resolve a domain name into an IP address.

The operation of a DNS resolver begins when a user types a URL into their web browser or makes any request that requires domain name resolution. The resolver, which can be part of the user's local network (like a router) or provided by an Internet Service Provider (ISP), first checks if the requested domain is already cached. If the domain name is not in the cache, the resolver starts a query process, beginning with a root DNS server, then progressing to top-level domain (TLD) servers, and finally reaching the authoritative DNS server for the specific domain. Each step narrows down the search until the resolver finds the corresponding IP address and returns it to the user's device.

DNS resolvers also play a significant role in optimizing and securing internet usage. Caching frequently accessed domain names can significantly speed up browsing, reducing latency and network load. Furthermore, DNS resolvers can offer security features, such as filtering malicious sites and preventing access to phishing domains. Some resolvers provide additional privacy by supporting DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS (DoT), which encrypt DNS queries to protect them from being intercepted or tampered with by third parties. By performing these functions, DNS resolvers ensure that users can navigate the internet efficiently and securely.

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