Today we will explore the essential DNS terms that you need to know. DNS is an abbreviation of Domain Name System. Its function is to link domain names with their corresponding IP addresses. The Internet functions as it does today because of this decentralized naming system. But what are the other vital DNS terms? Let’s now focus on them.
DNS record
First, we will stop at the DNS records. They contain DNS-related information and instructions. A single domain typically has multiple DNS records, each revealing domain-related settings. For example, one may provide information about the IP address (A record or AAAA record). At the same time, another may point to a domain-related service, such as an email server (MX record). In addition, every DNS zone contains a zone file that contains the entire collection of DNS records.
DNS zone
The DNS zone is the administrative component of the DNS namespace. A different DNS administrator manages each DNS zone. As a result, the DNS system is regarded as decentralized. A domain name and a DNS zone are frequently confused as the same thing. However, this is incorrect. For example, a single DNS zone could be contained within a single domain. Other cases, on the other hand, are more common. When a domain has multiple DNS zones, it is evident that they are not all equal.
DNS server
DNS servers are classified into two types. The first type of DNS server is authoritative, which stores all DNS data (DNS records) and provides information to the following type of DNS server. Recursive DNS servers are the second type (DNS resolvers). Their primary function is to receive the DNS query and look for an answer. DNS resolution is a comprehensive process, and their role is critical.
Network Protocol
A protocol is a set of instructions for formatting and processing data in networking. Computers have a common language known as network protocols. Even if the software and hardware used by the computers in a network may be very dissimilar, the usage of protocols allows them to communicate with one another.
Similar to how two humans from different parts of the world may not speak each other’s original languages but can nevertheless communicate through a common third language, standardized protocols are like a common language that computers can utilize. For example, a computer can communicate with another computer if both of them employ the Internet Protocol (IP).
In addition, there are different types of protocols:
- TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)
- UDP (User Datagram Protocol)
- FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
- IP (Internet Protocol)
- ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol)
- HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
- SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
- etc.
TCP vs. UDP: What’s the Difference Between Them?
Dynamic DNS
Your IP address is automatically updated using Dynamic DNS (DDNS) whenever it changes. The Internet Service Provider (ISP) most frequently changes your IP address to a different one. It’s easy to understand why. They have broad networks, and this step makes management easier for them. Dynamic DNS implementation is a wonderful option if you have CCTV security cameras.
DNS propagation
The last teminology from our DNS terms list is DNS propagation. Changes to your domain, like changing the nameservers or A record values, typically take an hour or two to accomplish. However, depending on several factors, this can occasionally take up to 72 hours (TTL settings)
DNS propagation is the process that allows these DNS updates to spread across the internet.
Because ISPs (Internet Service Providers) all over the world need to update their caches with the DNS changes you’ve made, the timing of this procedure will vary. Each ISP determines the rate at which these updates are made. This means that propagation cannot be “sped up”.
Conclusion
The Domain Name System is frequently the most challenging aspect of learning how to configure websites and servers. You can diagnose issues with access configuration for your websites and gain a deeper understanding of what happens in the background by learning how DNS works.
