Web Technologies

What Is DNS?

Nov 24, 2025•14 min
#dns#domain#internet#ip-address#web-technology

What Is DNS?

Introduction

DNS is one of the most essential yet invisible components of the internet. Every time you visit a website, send an email, open a mobile application or access a cloud service, DNS operates behind the scenes to make it all possible.

DNS, short for Domain Name System, converts human-readable domain names (such as google.com, solorient.com, marketway.ai) into machine-readable IP addresses.

Without DNS, accessing websites would require typing long and complex IP addresses such as:

142.250.185.78

This would make the modern internet practically unusable.

In simple terms:

DNS = The Internet’s address book

In this guide, we explore DNS in detail — what it is, how it works, its structure, record types, security risks, DNS servers and its importance for SEO and website performance.

What Is DNS?

DNS (Domain Name System) is a global distributed system that translates domain names into IP addresses.

For example, when you type:

solorient.com

your computer automatically asks DNS:

“What is the IP address of this domain name?”

DNS then returns the correct IP address so the browser can connect to the right server.

Why Is DNS Necessary?

DNS exists because humans and machines think differently:

  • Humans remember words
  • Machines use numbers (IP addresses)

DNS serves as a bridge between these two worlds.

Thanks to DNS:

  • websites can have readable names
  • websites still work when their IP address changes
  • internet infrastructure remains scalable
  • traffic is routed quickly and efficiently

How Does DNS Work?

When a user enters a website, a multi-step DNS resolution process begins. Although it seems instantaneous, several components are involved.

1. User enters a domain name

Example: https://solorient.com

2. Browser checks its local DNS cache

If previously resolved, the browser loads the IP instantly.

3. Operating system DNS cache is checked

Windows, macOS and Linux systems store DNS results temporarily.

4. Router cache is checked

Home and office routers also maintain DNS caches.

5. Resolver (recursive DNS) is queried

Resolvers include:

  • Google DNS → 8.8.8.8
  • Cloudflare DNS → 1.1.1.1
  • OpenDNS → 208.67.222.222

They handle the full resolution process.

6. Root DNS servers respond

Only 13 root server clusters exist worldwide.

The resolver asks:

“Which server handles .com domains?”

7. TLD name servers respond

TLD servers handle domain extensions like:

  • .com
  • .net
  • .tr
  • .ai

For example, .com is managed by Verisign.

8. Authoritative nameserver is queried

Example:

ns1.cloudflare.com ns2.cloudflare.com

These nameservers store the actual DNS records.

9. IP address is returned

10. Browser connects to the server

The website loads.

All of this happens in milliseconds.

DNS Record Types

DNS records store critical information about a domain. Understanding these is essential for managing a website.

A Record

Maps a domain to an IPv4 address.

Example:

solorient.com → 185.104.xxx.xxx

AAAA Record

Maps a domain to an IPv6 address.

CNAME Record

Points one domain to another domain.

Example:

www.solorient.com → solorient.com

MX Record

Specifies mail servers.

Example:

solorient.com → ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM

TXT Record

Used for verification and security purposes:

  • SPF
  • DKIM
  • DMARC
  • Google Search Console verification

NS Record

Shows which nameservers a domain uses.

Example:

ns1.digitalocean.com ns2.digitalocean.com

SRV Record

Defines service ports (e.g., for VoIP, MS Teams).

SOA Record

Contains administrative details for the domain.

DNS Server Types

The DNS ecosystem includes four primary server types.

1. Resolver (Recursive DNS)

The first server that receives the DNS query from the browser.

2. Root Name Servers

They direct queries to TLD servers. Only 13 root server clusters exist globally.

3. TLD Name Servers

Hosts information about domain extensions:

  • .com
  • .net
  • .org
  • .tr
  • .ai

4. Authoritative Name Servers

These servers hold the actual DNS records for your domain.

DNS Propagation

When you update DNS records (e.g., change IP, change nameserver), the updates do not instantly reach the entire world. Instead, they propagate.

Propagation time:

  • 30 minutes to 24 hours (sometimes up to 48 hours)

Propagation depends on:

  • ISP caching
  • TTL values
  • DNS infrastructure

DNS Security

DNS is a critical attack vector and must be protected.

Common DNS attacks include:

1. DNS Spoofing / Cache Poisoning

The attacker injects fake DNS data, redirecting users to malicious sites.

2. DNS Hijacking

Attackers gain control of DNS settings to steal traffic or credentials.

3. DNS Amplification (DDoS)

Attackers use DNS servers to amplify traffic and overwhelm victims.

4. Typosquatting

Attackers register typo domains:

gooogle.com goggle.com solorinet.com

Users who make typing mistakes get redirected to malicious websites.

DNSSEC

DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) adds cryptographic signatures to DNS records.

DNSSEC ensures:

  • DNS responses are authentic
  • DNS spoofing is prevented
  • no tampering occurs
  • safer domain resolution

Many modern registrars support DNSSEC by default.

DNS and SEO

DNS performance affects SEO in several ways.

Slow DNS = Slow website

Slow loading leads to:

  • higher bounce rates
  • lower conversions
  • ranking drops

DNS errors damage SEO

Such as:

  • misconfigured CNAMEs
  • expired records
  • unreachable nameservers

Premium DNS helps SEO

Cloudflare, Google DNS and Route53 provide:

  • faster resolution
  • global availability
  • attack protection

Popular DNS Providers

These DNS providers are widely used for top performance:

✔ Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1)

Fastest DNS resolver in the world.

✔ Google DNS (8.8.8.8)

Reliable and globally distributed.

✔ OpenDNS (Cisco)

Security-focused.

✔ Quad9 (9.9.9.9)

Blocks malicious domains.

What Happens When Domain or Hosting Changes?

When you change:

  • hosting provider
  • IP address
  • email service
  • nameservers

you must update DNS settings.

If DNS is misconfigured:

  • website becomes inaccessible
  • emails stop working
  • SEO ranking drops
  • SSL fails

DNS management must be done carefully and correctly.

Example DNS Configuration

Below is a simplified sample DNS setup:

A solorient.com 185.104.xxx.xxx A www 185.104.xxx.xxx MX solorient.com ASPMX.L.GOOGLE.COM TXT solorient.com google-site-verification=xxxx NS ns1.cloudflare.com NS ns2.cloudflare.com

These records control:

  • website routing
  • email delivery
  • verification
  • security
  • server mapping

Conclusion

DNS forms the backbone of the internet. Without DNS, websites would be unreachable, email systems would fail and the web as we know it would collapse.

In this guide, we explored:

  • what DNS is
  • how domain-to-IP translation works
  • DNS record types
  • resolver, root and TLD servers
  • DNS security threats
  • DNSSEC
  • DNS propagation
  • SEO implications
  • global DNS provider options

In summary:

DNS is the silent hero of the internet — working behind the scenes to keep the digital world connected.