In the expansive world of the internet, devices like smartphones and servers rely on numerical codes called IP addresses to communicate. But dealing with these numbers can be overwhelming. Imagine having to type long strings of digits just to access a website. Thankfully, the Domain Name System (DNS) simplifies things. You can enter a straightforward domain name like example.com, and DNS works its magic, guiding you to your desired online spot. Whether you’re a casual internet user or a techie, DNS ensures a smooth online journey by converting complex numbers into simple, user-friendly interactions.
Let’s understand exactly what a domain name system is.
WHAT IS A DOMAIN NAME SYSTEM?
The domain name system (DNS) is a crucial component of the internet infrastructure that translates human-readable domain names into numerical IP addresses, facilitating the communication between devices and servers. Essentially, DNS acts as a vast virtual phonebook, enabling users to access websites by typing in familiar domain names like “example.com” instead of needing to remember complex IP addresses.
When you enter a web address into your browser, the DNS system takes over. It starts by querying authoritative DNS servers to find the corresponding IP address for the given domain name. This process involves multiple steps, including querying root servers, top-level domain (TLD) servers, and authoritative servers responsible for specific domains.
The domain name system is a distributed network of servers working collaboratively to translate domain names to IP addresses in a matter of milliseconds. This seamless translation is crucial for the internet’s functionality, allowing users to access websites, send emails, and engage in various online activities. Without DNS, the internet would be a complex landscape of numbers rather than the user-friendly experience we enjoy today.
There are several common types of DNS servers and services within the DNS system. Let us take you through the same.
TYPES OF DNS SERVERS
Following are the types of domain name system servers:
AUTHORITATIVE DNS SERVER:
These servers store the actual DNS records for a domain. When someone queries a domain’s DNS information, the authoritative DNS server provides accurate and up-to-date records for that domain. There are primary (master) and secondary (slave) authoritative DNS servers that work together to provide redundancy and load balancing.
RECURSIVE DNS SERVER:
Also known as a resolver, this type of server is responsible for fulfilling DNS queries on behalf of clients, like your computer or a web browser. It queries authoritative DNS servers to find the IP address associated with a domain name and then returns the result to the requesting client. ISPs and other network providers typically run recursive DNS servers for their customers.
ROOT DNS SERVER:
These are the top-level DNS servers in the DNS hierarchy. They don’t store specific domain records but instead provide information about the location of the authoritative DNS servers for the top-level domains (TLDs) like .com, .org, .net, etc.
TLD DNS SERVER:
These servers are responsible for managing the top-level domain names (like .com, .org, .net). They store information about the authoritative DNS servers for the second-level domains within each TLD.
SECONDARY DNS SERVER:
These servers store copies of DNS records from authoritative DNS servers. They provide redundancy and help distribute the load of DNS queries. If the primary authoritative server becomes unavailable, secondary servers can still provide the necessary DNS information.
Caching DNS Server: These servers temporarily store DNS records that have been recently queried. This helps to reduce the overall DNS lookup time and improve network performance by avoiding repeated queries for the same domain.
FORWARDING DNS SERVER:
These servers forward DNS queries to another DNS server rather than resolving the queries themselves. They are often used by organizations to centralize DNS lookups or to implement content filtering.
SLAVE DNS SERVER:
Also known as secondary DNS servers, these servers replicate and store copies of DNS zone data from the primary authoritative DNS server. They provide redundancy and improve reliability.
MASTER DNS SERVER:
This is the primary authoritative DNS server that holds the original copies of DNS zone data. Changes and updates to DNS records are made on this server and then propagated to secondary DNS servers.
These types of domain name system servers work together to ensure the proper functioning of the DNS system, translating domain names into IP addresses and facilitating communication across the internet.
While DNS ensures websites are reachable, domain registrars facilitate domain ownership, allowing businesses and individuals to establish their unique online identities.
WHAT ARE DOMAIN REGISTRARS?
Domain registrars are companies or organizations that provide services for registering and managing domain names. They facilitate the process of acquiring domain names for websites and online platforms. Domain registrars offer a user-friendly interface for searching the availability of desired domain names, selecting extensions (such as .com, .org, .net), and purchasing the chosen domain. They also offer tools for managing domain settings, DNS configuration, and renewal options.
Furthermore, domain registrars play a crucial role in helping individuals, businesses, and organizations establish their online presence by providing the means to secure and maintain their chosen domain names.
11 THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN A DOMAIN REGISTRAR
Choosing the right domain name registrar is crucial for your online venture. It’s like picking a home for your digital presence. Let’s break down the essential things to consider when evaluating domain name registrars:
1.Domain availability and extensions
Verify whether the domain registrar provides an extensive variety of domain extensions such as .com, .net, and .org, among others. Additionally, confirm their capability to assist you in discovering a fitting domain name that harmonizes seamlessly with your brand identity.
2.Pricing and transparency
Conduct a thorough price comparison for domain registration, renewal charges, and any supplementary services offered. Be cautious about identifying any concealed charges or attempts to upsell additional services.
3.User-friendly interface
Opt for a platform that offers a seamless and user-friendly experience in managing domains. Prioritize platforms with intuitive websites and control panels, particularly if you’re venturing into domain management for the first time. This ensures a hassle-free process and smooth navigation.
4.Customer support
Responsive and well-informed customer support plays a pivotal role in addressing troubleshooting needs and inquiries effectively. Evaluate whether they provide an array of support channels, including chat, email, and phone, to ensure you have access to assistance when required.
5.Domain management tools
Having robust tools for managing DNS, domain forwarding, and privacy settings is of utmost importance. An effortlessly navigable dashboard further streamlines the process of administering domains, making it more efficient and user-friendly.
6.Transfer and renewal policies
Gain a comprehensive understanding of their domain transfer and renewal policies to prevent surprises. Be vigilant, as certain registrars could potentially create challenges for transferring domains out or impose excessively high renewal fees.
7.Security features
Prioritize the inclusion of domain privacy protection, a measure that safeguards your personal information from being exposed in public WHOIS databases. Additionally, explore registrars that provide the extra layer of security offered by two-factor authentication to enhance your overall online safety.
8.Accreditation and reputation
Choose registrars that are accredited by ICANN, as this assures both reliability and adherence to industry benchmarks. Conduct thorough research by delving into online reviews and evaluating their reputation within the domain community to make an informed decision.
9.Additional services
Certain registrars extend their services to encompass web hosting, website building tools, and email services, effectively simplifying the management of your online presence. This consolidation offers a seamless approach to overseeing various aspects of your digital identity.
10.Ease of Domain Transfer
Prioritize registrars that guarantee a smooth and uncomplicated domain transfer process. Be cautious of registrars that impose restrictions or make the transfer procedure unnecessarily complex, and steer clear of such options. This ensures your ability to seamlessly switch registrars when needed.
11.Renewal Notifications
Choosing a registrar that proactively sends timely renewal reminders is crucial to preventing unintentional domain expiration, which could otherwise lead to disruptions in your online presence.
Remember, your domain name is your digital identity. Taking the time to choose a reputable registrar ensures a smooth online journey and protects your brand’s integrity. Don’t rush this decision—pick the registrar that aligns best with your goals and provides the support you need as your online presence grows. BigRock can be a good choice as it offers best-in-class domain registration services that can meet varying requirements.
Once you have chosen a domain name registrar, you can begin finding the perfect domain name for your website.
HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT DOMAIN NAME
Finding the perfect domain name is pivotal for establishing a strong online presence. Here’s a brief guide to assist you in navigating the process:
RELEVANCE AND IDENTITY:
Your domain name should reflect your brand, products, or services. It should convey a clear idea of what your website is about.
SIMPLICITY AND MEMORABILITY:
Keep it simple, easy to spell, and memorable. A concise domain name is more likely to stick in the minds of your audience.
AVOID COMPLEX CHARACTERS:
Stay away from hyphens, numbers, and special characters. These can lead to confusion when sharing your domain verbally.
KEYWORD INTEGRATION:
If possible, incorporate relevant keywords that users might search for. This can enhance your website’s visibility in search engines.
RESEARCH COMPETITORS:
Investigate the domain names of competitors to ensure your choice stands out and isn’t easily confused with existing brands.
CONSIDER EXTENSIONS:
Decide on the right domain extension (.com, .org, .net, etc.). While .com is widely recognized, industry-specific extensions can also be effective.
CHECK AVAILABILITY:
Verify that your desired domain name is available. Many domain registrars offer search tools to help with this. For example, Bigrock provides domain name suggestion tool.
TRADEMARK AND COPYRIGHT:
Ensure your chosen domain name doesn’t infringe on existing trademarks or copyrighted materials.
FUTURE GROWTH:
Consider your future plans. Will your domain name still be relevant as your business expands?
SOCIAL MEDIA COMPATIBILITY:
Check if the domain name aligns with available social media handles. Consistency across platforms is beneficial.
DOMAIN REGISTRAR:
Choose a reliable domain registrar for hassle-free registration and management.
DOMAIN PRIVACY:
Consider opting for domain privacy protection to shield your personal information from public WHOIS databases.
ASK FOR FEEDBACK:
Share your shortlisted domain names with friends, family, or colleagues for honest feedback.
ACT PROMPTLY:
Domain names get registered quickly. Once you find the right one, secure it promptly to avoid losing it to someone else.
Remember, a well-chosen domain name can be a cornerstone of your online success.
CHOOSING BIGROCK AS YOUR DOMAIN REGISTRAR
With a reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction, BigRock offers an extensive range of domain extensions to suit your brand. Benefit from user-friendly domain search tools, competitive pricing, and straightforward domain management. Our robust platform ensures hassle-free registration, renewal, and DNS configuration. Plus, enjoy added privacy protection and efficient customer support, ensuring your online presence is in capable hands.
Make BigRock your trusted partner in establishing and maintaining your digital identity.
If you have any queries or suggestions feel free to leave them in the comments box below!
Source: https://www.bigrock.in/blog/products/domains/what-is-domain-name-system-and-types-of-domain-name-system
Writer: VISHAL BHATNAGAR