DNS meaning

Domain Name System (DNS) is a naming database system. It is locating and translating domain names into IP addresses. Imagine it is like a directory or even like a mobile’s contacts list. Each one of the names corresponds with numbers, and they are accurately matched. DNS directory is spread worldwide. This system operates daily. It helps to explore and reach millions of domain names every day. Without Domain Name System, we would have to remember each site’s IP address to visit it. This sounds nearly impossible, considering how many sites are out there.

Domain Name System – fully explained

Varieties of servers

• Root servers – This is the start of the Domain Name System. Its sign is “.” at the very end of the domain name, yet everyday users don’t write it. The DNS resolution starts from there. After that continues to one of the name servers for the TLD of the domain. 
• TLD name servers – Extensions like .com, .co .uk, .info, and so on are in the Top-Level-Domain level. TLD name servers will give information about which nameservers know the domain name you are seeking for. 
• Authoritative name server. Here you can find the name of the site that you want to explore. The authoritative DNS name server has all the information for the site that you are searching. They will provide an authoritative answer. 
• Recursive name servers. Their purpose is to answer queries. They may have the answer in their cache memory. If they don’t, the search will begin. It will start asking the other servers for an answer to the query.

DNS Records

DNS Records are an essential part of understanding Domain Name System better. So let’s see some of these records and what they do.

• SOA record – includes administrative data about the DNS zone
• A record – indicates a domain name to IPv4 address.
• AAAA record – points a domain name to IPv6 address.
• MX record – reveals the email servers that are responsible for receiving messages for the domain name. 
• NS record – points to the nameservers for the specific domain name.  
• PTR record – Points an IP address to a domain name. It is the opposite of the A/AAAA record.
• CNAME record – indicates that one domain is simply another nickname for another.

Free DNS vs. Premium DNS

You can see that there are free DNS and Premium DNS. In today’s world, Premium can actually be a very beneficial thing to have. For sure, one of the main reasons for choosing Premium is security and speed.

Directing traffic and looking up DNS records can take a lot of time, even if it’s simply about milliseconds.

If you want to try the free Domain Name System, you will find it comparatively slow. Premium usually offers better performance.

Additionally, if you, unfortunately, happen to be under a DDoS attack, Premium DNS can provide better security and availability.

But still, there are Domain Name System service providers, which can offer many of the benefits of Premium DNS, but in a free version.