What is DNS?
Domain Name System (DNS) is a hierarchical decentralized naming system for computers, services, or any resource connected to the Internet or a private network. It associates various information with domain names assigned to each of those resources.
The DNS translates domain names into the numerical addresses that identify a resource on the network. Most importantly, it provides security and insulation between Internet users and their destinations.
DNS is integral to how web browsers, email clients, and other applications can locate the services they need to function.
Without DNS, computers could not access any resource on a network or the internet. The ability for users to type in a domain name (e.g., mycompany.com) instead of having to remember IP addresses makes DNS indispensable.
It also allows websites and services to move from one provider to another without needing users to update their bookmarks, links, or settings.
For example, if a website moved from an old hosting company’s servers onto a new hosting company’s servers, as long as both companies used the same domain name, there would be no interruption in service because DNS resolves this change automatically.
DNS is responsible for keeping track of the changes in a domain’s IP address, routing users to the correct web page or service they are trying to access.
DNS can also be a powerful tool to ensure that user requests are routed efficiently and securely.
For example, it can be configured to protect against malicious attempts at hijacking traffic, such as DNS Cache Poisoning and Man-in-the-Middle attacks.
Additionally, companies can use DNS to implement security measures like multi-factor authentication and content filtering.
By essentially providing an index of Internet resources, DNS plays an essential role in how we navigate the Web today. Without DNS, it would be impossible to locate websites quickly and accurately – making the web virtually useless.
What is a Name Server?
A name server is a type of computer server that resolves domain names with IP addresses. It works by looking up the domain on DNS records and providing the associated IP address for computers to use in locating website information stored on shared host servers.
Name servers are critical components in any system utilizing the Domain Name System, enabling users to access websites quickly and securely.
Without them, websites could not exist or be accessed. In addition, they are supported worldwide, increasing access speed and securing information by ensuring all requests come from legitimate IP addresses and domains.
What is CNAME Record?
A CNAME Record is a specific type of DNS (Domain Name System) record for Canonical Name record. It is used to point an URL or domain name to another URL or domain name, essentially allowing one address to act as an alias of the other.
This type of record directs web traffic that would normally be sent to one website moved to the IP address of another website where the actual content can be retrieved.
CNAME Records are commonly used when redirecting traffic from websites featuring branded services or products like www.mybrand.com and www.myproductname.com.
Whether building out a complete site with many URLs for SEO purposes, setting up your personal blog on its own domain, or simply just needing a 301 redirect for multiple domains, CNAME Records are invaluable parts of a complete internet presence.
What is MX Record?
MX records are a type of record within the Domain Name System (DNS) used to identify mail servers responsible for receiving and routing emails between senders and receivers.
In practice, this is utilized by websites to determine where incoming emails should go. To keep communication flowing smoothly between web servers and email mailboxes, MX records are critical components for modern-day email services.
MX records include a priority number where the lowest one is given preference when attempting delivery. Further, MX records also provide backup mail server information in cases where computers cannot generate an up-to-date DNS database.
Finally, without its integral presence, effective communication over Internet domains would be impossible for everyone involved.
What is a TXT Record?
A TXT Record stands for a “text record,” and computer systems use it to store text-based data. It is also known as a Text Description Record, which can be helpful for certain operations like verifying domain ownership or providing customizing information for internet services or applications.
They are part of the Domain Name System (DNS) which helps store and access information related to domains and subdomains.
Simply put, they can provide helpful details regarding who owns a website and what type of data should be found on it, making them an important member of the DNS family.
Free DNS and Paid DNS: What’s the Difference?
When choosing a domain name system (DNS) for your business, it can be challenging to decide whether to opt for a free or a paid DNS solution. While free DNS may appear attractive due to its low cost, it can have some hidden drawbacks that most users fail to consider properly.
These shortcomings range from more time-consuming setup processes and less support to being far less reliable than most commercial solutions.
On the other hand, Paid DNS solutions are streamlined in terms of setup, offer top-notch customer and technical support services, and provide reliability assurances.
In short, while free DNS solutions may seem like an attractive proposition initially, their shortcomings in terms of reliability and support often mean they should be avoided if possible.