Calling friends, family, and loved ones is an essential part of life. Hence, why we use our mobile phones to pick the number of who we want to call.

The same goes for the DNS (Domain name system), which serves as the internet’s phonebook.

What is DNS

DNS translates domain names to IP addresses, the same IP addresses that interact with the web browsers through the internet to load internet resources.

In English, DNS vanquishes the need to memorize IP addresses like the famous 192.168.1.1 one, and allows the internet-connected machines to easily find each other.

The way DNS works

It’s all about transforming a hostname that’s readable by humans (www.example.com) into an IP address that’s readable by machines, like the one we mentioned (192.168.1.1).

Each internet-connected device has its own IP address that helps with finding it, just like an area is used to describe where a specific house is located.

Additionally, when you want to load a webpage, there’s a connection that must be carried between the domain name you write into your browser, and the address for the page you’re trying to visit.

Still, a ubiquitous DNS key function is that users can simultaneously receive different connections for the same domain name.

Consequently, the DNS is used to assign the nearest servers to users, which provides faster page loading times and better responses for their internet experience.

The four DNS servers’ categories

It all comes to four main servers when we talk about loading a web page, those four are:

The DNS recursor

It’s a server that’s designed to receive search orders from a client’s applications such as browsers, and make the needed requests to achieve that order as accurately as possible.

Root nameserver

There’s a client’s specific wanted location, and then there’s a reference to other specific locations. That root nameserver serves as that reference.

Top-level domain (TLD)

The top-level domain server is the last piece of the hostname. For example, in www.example.net, the TLD is “net”. Also, it’s the next step in the IP address search.

Authoritative nameserver

Serving as the last step for our initial search order. The authoritative nameserver returns the requested hostname IP address to the DNS Recursor.

Recursive DNS resolver VS authoritative DNS server

The recursive DNS resolver takes its time to request, track, and meet clients' inquires.

Additionally, it refers to caching, which’s a data persistence process, to help to shorten the other requests made much as possible, resulting in faster inquires being met.

An authoritative DNS server is responsible for keeping the DNS resource records.

Moreover, as the final step in the request sequence, often doesn’t need to refer to other sources to achieve and meet queries.

The 8 required steps for a DNS lookup

It all goes down to translating a domain name to an IP address. That’s what a DNS is for, right?

Easier said than done. Here are the main needed steps to achieve such a complicated process.

• Write your query “example.com” into the search bar so the DNS recursive resolver receives it.

• The resolver will immediately query a DNS root nameserver

• Next, the root server will deliver the top-Level Domain (TLD) address to the resolver.

• That way, the resolver can make a request to the TLD, (such as .net or .com).

• Consequently, the TLD can now respond with the domain name server’s IP address.

• Finally, the recursive resolver sends a query to the domain’s nameserver.

• The domain name server’s IP address is returned to the resolver.

• Last but not least, the resolver responds to the browser with the requested domain’s IP address.

P.S. The DNS resolver is the first step in a DNS search, and it starts this sequence of queries to translate a URL into the end-goal IP address.

DNS security issues

DNS has been working quite well for the last decades, but hackers tend to take advantage of any potential vulnerabilities.

Weak points can include but are not limited to:

DNS spoofing

This is where the attackers insert false addresses into the DNS, and making the DNS respond with a different IP for a different site.

Falling into the attacker’s trap “the new website” can lead you to give up passwords or automatically download malware.

DNS amplification attack

DNS amplification is a type of DNS reflection attack that might end up swamping victims with DNS resolver server’s messages.

Targeting the open DNS resolvers after they respond, the victim end-up receiving a huge number of unwanted DNS data that can bring down their machines.

DNS is the next thing

The way DNS works surely influences others in different ways. It might get tricky, but can also prove beneficial and rewarding given the right approach.

That’s where ServerHub come in, to provide you with 100% domain availability & 99.99% uptime, with enhanced protection and multiple DNS servers that adapt to your needs.

Interesting enough? Were you surprised about the amount of work carried behind the scenes when you search a website?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

If satisfaction and positive feedback are what keep you going, you must choose the right things wisely for both your site and services.

Do not settle for less than the perfect fit, and strive for the top services to cater to your business needs.

As an owner, you must know what can keep your site afloat and run smoothly.

Does your server’s location give the best connection speed to your site viewers globally? Have you chosen an affordable provider with the right services for your business needs?

Here are three things on why choosing an optimal location for your server is important.

LATENCY

It may not seem like a lot, but even a two-second delay can drive away impatient users.

Research shows that most people detest slow loading sites, as loading times represent two things:

• Your internet-speed
• How fast can servers handle the flow of data

Slow loading times can happen because of how a server handles data when there is oncoming traffic, that’s why you should think about getting a dedicated server.

A dedicated server holds only one tenant, you! That means you have exclusivity on how much data your server can handle.

If you think that it is time for an upgrade, give your provider a call now.

AUDIENCE

Your server’s location can influence the way your site reaches your audience.

Let’s say, if the majority of your users are from the USA, it is a smart move to pick a server based in the country.

If most of your audience is from New York, your google search ranking may be higher there than, let's say, Minnesota.

As per one of Google’s department heads, Matt Cutts said that local search ranks are determined by the site's IP address.

Your host might’ve several servers internationally if you need to expand your site there.

Make sure that your provider’s ready to assist you anytime you decide to expand services abroad.

PRIVACY

Let’s talk about another important location aspect, and that is data privacy.

Your server provider has your site's and your site's visitors' data. Hence, if your server is located in the USA, your data will be protected under the data privacy law of US citizens.

If you’re accessing data across the pond, AKA from Europe, your data will be protected by GDPR.

Your audience’s data should be your number one priority since they’ve put their trust in you. Therefore, make sure that your provider can hold the end of their bargain.

Summary

These are a few of the things that will help you choose the right provider/location for your server.

Ultimately, your business needs and how they benefit your users are the key to pull in more traffic and sales.

With the right tools and ways, both your target market and your demographic can grow exponentially to more inclusive ones.

Also, accessibility is very important, and you should have the option to access your data even if you’re not in the area of your server.

Be transparent on what plans and services you may want to avail of and be precise on where you would want your first intercity or international expansion to be.

Above all, you must keep a clear way of communication between all parties.

Conclusion

If you want a trustworthy provider who has vast experience in hosting domestically and internationally, ServerHub offers a list of affordable bare-metal dedicated servers, with locations all over the world!

From Phoenix, Arizona, to Amsterdam and the Netherlands. ServerHub has your perfect location, with rapid server deployments and 100% uptime guaranteed!

Additionally, Our support team is available 24/7/365, so you always have an expert to reach whenever you desire.

Conclusively, it’s goodbye to losing users due to server downtimes.

Customer satisfaction is our 1st priority, as we take unmatched care of our clients so that we can both grow together.