What is a name server (DNS)? What is the function of name servers (DNS)?

Nameservers are crucial components of the Internet that most people should be familiar with. They help link the website addresses we enter (such as www.google.com) to the numerical codes that computers use to communicate with each other.

Domain Name Servers (DNS) operate like the telephone directory model of the Internet. They maintain and handle DNS records, which link website names to their corresponding IP addresses. If we didn't have name servers, we'd have to memorise long numerical strings for each website we wanted to access. Instead, we can simply enter names that are easy to remember.

How DNS (Domain Name Server) works
DNS serves as the basis for the Internet's addressing structure. It consists of a large interconnected database that links domain names to IP addresses. This is how it is organised:

• Root servers contain information about top-level domains, such as .com, .org and .net, at the highest level;
• TLD name servers contain information about domains in each top-level domain;
• Authoritative name servers: At the bottom, they list the separate IP addresses for each website name.

When you enter the URL of a website into your browser, a rapid sequence of actions takes place:

• Your browser requests support from a recursive name server;
• The recursive server searches other servers to find the correct IP address;
• The authoritative name server ends up providing the website's IP address.

All this takes place in a fraction of a second, allowing you to browse websites without realising the complex processes taking place behind the scenes.

The importance of Domain Name Servers (DNS)
Name servers act as a link between the name of your website and its position on the web. If your website is correctly configured or malfunctions, people will still be able to locate it. This can result in:

• Dissatisfied guests;
• Lost business opportunities;
• Damage to your brand's reputation.

An online business can be seriously affected by a website that isn't working. Imagine a situation where an e-commerce website becomes inaccessible during an important sale or a company's website crashes during a crucial product launch. This can be costly and damage the organisation's reputation.

DNS help ensure that your website works quickly and reliably
People want websites to have fast loading times. If a website runs slowly, visitors may leave and never return. Name servers have a significant impact on the speed and reliability of your website.
Selecting the right name servers can increase the loading speed of your website. Using a reliable DNS provider with servers located in several regions can help ensure fast website responsiveness for global visitors. Name servers can be optimised to improve website speed.
It's crucial that your name servers are also reliable. If they encounter problems or slow down, your website may not work properly or load slowly, leading to a negative user experience for your visitors. Choosing a reliable DNS provider is crucial to ensuring the continuous availability of your website.
Bear in mind that even small increases in speed are important for websites. A fast and reliable website brings joy to visitors, improves search engine rankings and increases potential sales or registrations.

DNS give you authority over your domain
Nameservers help you manage your domain name. When you initially purchase a domain, it usually uses the name servers provided by the registrar where you bought it. However, you are free to modify them at any time. This allows you to:

• Switch to another hosting provider;
• Manage your own DNS settings.

This freedom is beneficial for transferring your website to a new host or managing your DNS settings yourself.

They help ensure that your emails are sent successfully
Name servers play a crucial role in ensuring that your emails are delivered to the correct destination. They manage MX records, which direct emails to their destination. MX records act as a guide for your emails, ensuring that they reach the correct email servers.
If your MX records are not correctly configured, your emails may not reach their intended recipients. This could mean:

• Not receiving crucial messages;
• Dissatisfied customers;
• Challenges arising in commercial partnerships.

It is crucial to ensure that your MX records are up to date, especially when you change email provider or modify your email configuration.

Although it's not something you think about often, name servers are essential to the smooth running of your website. They help people discover your website by improving its loading speed, providing domain control and ensuring successful email delivery. By understanding how name servers work and selecting the right ones, you can ensure that your website remains accessible and functions optimally.

DNS records play a crucial role in name servers. They manage the operation of your website's name on the Internet. This data, stored on your primary name servers, contains vital information that guides the DNS resolution process and establishes various aspects of your Internet presence. Let's take a look at some typical DNS record types and their functions.

A records: Linking your website's name to its location

The most important DNS records for getting your website online are the A records. They link your website name to its IP address, allowing people to access your site by entering your name into their web browsers.

Think of an A record as a sign that says: ‘Direct anyone searching for the name of this website to this specific address’. If there is no A record, your website will be as difficult to locate as a house without an address. It's the crucial link that connects the website name people enter and the address of the computer where the website is located.

When you create a website, the hosting provider gives you an IP address. You then have to define an A record in your DNS configuration. This A record directs the name of your website to that specific IP address. This way, when an individual types in the name of your website, the DNS system can find the correct address and present your website to them.

Creating CNAME records: Establishing aliases for your website

While A records link website names directly to IP addresses, CNAME records work in a slightly different way. You can create aliases or redirects for your website address, directing it to a different name or URL.

This can be useful in a number of ways. One option is to create a sub-page, such as blog.yourwebsite.com, which directs users to a different blog. Instead of setting up a unique IP address for your subpage, you can link it directly to your blog address using a CNAME record. This simplifies the management of your website names and allows you to change the blog site without disturbing the way users access it.

CNAME records can also help redirect visitors seamlessly from one website name to another. This can be useful when you decide to change the name of the website or merge several names into one. By setting up CNAME records, you can ensure that people who enter an outdated website address are redirected to the updated address without any manual intervention. This ensures that your visitors return and have a trouble-free experience.

MX records: Targeting your email delivery

Today, email remains an important method of communication for individuals and companies. Name servers are responsible for directing website traffic and also ensure that your emails reach their intended destination. MX records are used at this stage.

MX records act as directional markers in the DNS system, guiding email traffic to the appropriate email servers for your website's domain. Think of them as postcodes for email. When you send an email to someone@somewebsite.com, your email client checks the MX records for somewebsite.com in the DNS. These documents help direct the email to the appropriate email servers to ensure that it arrives in the correct inbox.

Each MX record is assigned a priority number. This number tells email systems which main email server to try first. If the main mail server is offline, the message will be forwarded to the next server in the queue. This ensures that your emails continue to be sent despite any technical problems that may arise.

Important additional DNS records

Although A, CNAME and MX records are the main types of DNS records, there are several others that contribute to the efficient operation of your online presence. Let’s have a short glance at a few of them.

• TXT records: These versatile records contain descriptive information associated with your domain name. They can serve various purposes, such as verifying email authenticity (SPF and DKIM), demonstrating ownership of a website and distributing messages for public consumption;
• NS records: Name server records indicate which name servers are responsible for your website's domain. These name servers are given responsibility for overseeing your DNS records;
• AAAA records: Similar to A records, these records link domain names to IPv6 addresses, which are the up-to-date form of Internet addresses. As the use of IPv6 increases, AAAA records will be crucial in helping visitors locate your website on the contemporary Internet.

These examples represent just a small fraction of the countless types of DNS records available. Each one has a distinct function to ensure the smooth running of the intricate system that enables the Internet's addressing function.

Knowledge of these record types can help you effectively manage your website's DNS settings, ensuring easy accessibility to your website, reliable email delivery and a strong online presence.
Below is a brief table summarising the main types of DNS records.

We've discussed the importance of name servers for your website. Now let's look at how to choose and monitor them effectively. Making wise decisions regarding your name servers can greatly improve the performance, speed and success of your website, whether it's new or being upgraded.

Choosing good name servers

Selecting reliable name servers is crucial, as they must be constantly operational. Your name servers need to be operational at all hours of every day, all week long. This ensures that individuals will always be able to access your website. If your name servers fail or slow down, this can irritate guests, leading to a potential loss of revenue.

Usually, the company that sold you your domain name or the company that hosts your website will provide you with a set of name servers to use. These can work well for basic websites. If you want your website to perform optimally, consider a few key factors.

Speed up the process by looking for name servers in various locations around the world. Using a content distribution network (CDN) ensures that your website loads faster for users around the globe;
Security: Select a company that guarantees the security of its name servers. Expect them to provide services such as DNSSEC protection and DDoS mitigation. These elaborate terms simply indicate that they have effective methods to prevent malicious attacks on your website;
Additional functions: Assess whether there is a requirement for specific equipment. Some companies provide advanced tools for managing DNS, customised name servers and backup DNS services.

Guide to updating your name servers: A basic tutorial

Adjusting your name servers may seem difficult, but it's actually quite simple. Many websites that offer domain names provide a user-friendly interface for managing DNS settings, such as name server configurations. This is the method to follow:

• Log in to your account by entering your username and password on the website where you bought your domain name, and you're all set!
• Locate the DNS configuration: Look for a section of the web page that deals with DNS administration, the zone editor or name servers. This section can be located in various places, depending on the company you choose;
• Find the name server section: Search for the area where you can view and modify existing name servers;
• Enter the updated name servers: Replace the old name servers with the new ones provided by your new hosting company or DNS service. Normally, you need to enter a minimum of two name servers to ensure correct functionality;
• Remember to save all the updates you make, saving the new name server details.

Remember that it can take some time for these changes to take effect in all areas of the Internet. This process is known as DNS propagation. It can last several hours or even a few days. During this period, some people may still find your previous website instead of the updated one.

Troubleshooting typical DNS problems

Although you may have configured everything accurately, there are cases where problems can arise with DNS. Here are several common issues along with their resolutions.

• DNS propagation delays: Patience is required if you have recently updated your name servers or DNS records. It takes some time for the changes to spread across the Internet. Check that your DNS updates have finished propagating using one of the various online tools available;
• Incorrect DNS entries: Check that your DNS entries, in particular the A and MX records, are correct and directed to the correct IP addresses or email servers. Typing errors or outdated information can lead to problems with the website and email;
• Name server failure: When name servers aren't working, the website and email stop working too. Select a reliable DNS provider that guarantees your service will be operational most of the time;
• DNS hijacking occurs when malicious individuals try to gain control of your DNS records in order to redirect traffic from your website to a fake site. Activate the DNSSEC security measure for added protection and to prevent these attacks.

If you continue to have DNS problems, don't hesitate to ask for help from the company you bought your domain name from or the company that manages your website hosting. They can help you determine the problem and give you advice on how to resolve it.

Improve DNS performance to improve website speed

After examining how to select and supervise name servers, let's explore ways to improve DNS settings to increase website speed. A fast website not only provides a visually appealing experience for visitors, it can also improve search engine rankings and attract more potential customers or subscribers.

TTL: Striking the perfect balance

TTL stands for Time-to-Live. It's a setting in your DNS records that tells other computers how long to keep your website address before they need to check it again.

A short TTL results in faster propagation of DNS record updates on the Internet. This is beneficial if you frequently change the configuration of your website or transition to a different hosting provider. However, it also means that computers will have to frequently request your website address from their nameservers, which can lead to potential delays in the initial loading of your website.

A long TTL allows computers to store your website address in memory for an extended period. This can improve the speed of your website by reducing the frequency of address requests from computers. Any changes to your DNS records will need some time to become active. This can be a problem if you have to make quick adjustments.

Setting the appropriate TTL will depend on the special requirements of your website. A shorter TTL may be more advantageous if you need to update your DNS records frequently. If you want your website to be fast and reliable, a longer TTL may be more advantageous.

Many websites work well with a Time to Live (TTL) that varies between 300 seconds (5 minutes) and 86400 seconds (24 hours). Experiment with various TTL lengths to determine the most effective option for your website. When making TTL changes, bear in mind that it may take some time for them to propagate across the Internet, so be patient while assessing their impact on website speed.

Using a content delivery network (CDN) to improve the speed of your website

Individuals from all over the world can potentially browse your website. However, ensuring that your website loads quickly for all users, regardless of their location, can be a challenge. This is where a CDN (Content Delivery Network) comes in handy.

A content delivery network (CDN) is made up of computers located in different parts of the world. These computers store duplicates of your website's images, design files and code files. When a visitor accesses your website, the CDN provides them with these files from the computer closest to their location. This makes your website load faster.

Using a CDN for your website can significantly improve its speed, especially for individuals located far from your main server. This can improve the customer experience and your website's position in search engines.

Alternative methods for speeding up your website

In addition to adjusting your TTL and using a CDN, there are additional measures you can take to improve your DNS and increase your website's load time.

Minimise the number of DNS queries

Every time a person visits your website, their web browser has to locate the various elements of your site, such as images, formatting and code. All these queries contribute a little to the time it takes for the page to load.

To speed up the process, you can try to reduce the number of searches required. One method of reducing the number of files is to combine several files into a smaller amount. For example, you could consolidate all the style files into a single file, instead of keeping them separate for different sections of your website. This means that the browser will only have to perform a single search instead of several.

Another technique is to use domain fragmentation. This involves distributing your website's files among several subdomains. This allows browsers to perform several searches simultaneously, speeding up the loading time of your site. However, using too many subdomains can result in a decrease in speed.

Implement anycast routing for name servers

Anycast routing is a sophisticated method of directing Internet traffic. This way, when people search for your website address, the request is routed to the nearest server. This feature can help speed up your website, particularly for users located at a distance from your main name server.

Using Anycast routing for your name servers has the potential to speed up the process of accessing your website's location. This will ensure that your website loads extremely quickly for all users.

To use Anycast routing, you need to select a DNS provider that supports and has servers in multiple locations. This ensures that searches for your website always go to the nearest server, regardless of the visitor's location.

Remember to keep optimising your DNS settings. You may need to modify your settings as your website evolves and changes to ensure smooth operation. Make sure your website loads quickly and be prepared to resolve any problems that arise.

Your website and domain name are your online home. Just as you secure your doors before you go to bed, you should also secure your online presence. Unethical individuals may try to tamper with your website or steal confidential information. Let's talk about strategies for maintaining the security and function of your website.

DNSSEC: Additional security for your website

DNSSEC is an abbreviation for DNS Security Extensions. It's similar to a unique padlock for your website's contact list. That's why it's important:

• Its function: DNSSEC contains a cryptographic signature on DNS entries. This greatly hinders the ability of malicious individuals to trick others into visiting a fraudulent copy of your website;
• Reason for need: Failure to implement DNSSEC can lead to malicious redirection of visitors to your website. These could potentially steal passwords or spread computer viruses;
• To use: DNSSEC is usually provided by most companies that sell domain names. It may seem complex, but there are usually simple tools to help with the configuration process.

Protection against DDoS attacks, preventing large-scale incidents

DDoS is short for Distributed Denial of Service. It's a form of attack that has the ability to disable your website. Here is the information you should have:

• Description: During a DDoS attack, malicious individuals overload your website, sending a stream of fake visitors. This can cause your website to go down or function at a slow pace;
• The negative impact: Loss of money and disappointment of real visitors can occur if the website suffers downtime;
• How to avoid it: You need a hosting provider with specific tools to identify and stop these attacks.

• What is DNS?

DNS (Domain Name System) is the system responsible for translating domain names, such as www.exemplo.com, into IP addresses, which are used to locate servers on the Internet.

• How does DNS work?

When you type a domain name into your browser, DNS converts that name into an IP address, allowing your computer to connect to the correct server to access the page you want.

• How important is DNS for browsing?

DNS makes browsing easier by allowing you to access websites using easy-to-remember names, rather than having to memorise numerical IP addresses.

• What is a DNS server?

A DNS server is a computer that stores and manages domain translation information. It responds to requests made by your device and directs you to the correct address.

• Can DNS affect browsing speed?

Yes, a slow DNS server can increase the response time when accessing websites. Using a fast DNS server can improve the browsing experience.

• Can I change my DNS server?

Yes, you can change the DNS settings on your device to use faster or more secure servers. Some popular options include Google DNS and Cloudflare DNS.

• Is DNS secure?

DNS itself is not completely secure, but there are security measures such as DNSSEC (DNS Security Extensions) to protect against attacks such as cache poisoning and spoofing.

• What is DNS cache?

The DNS cache is a temporary memory stored on your device or DNS server that keeps records of previous queries, speeding up the process of translating domains into IP addresses.

• How does DNS affect SEO?

A reliable and fast DNS can improve website loading times, positively impacting the user experience and search engine positioning.

In this guide, we've discussed various technical concepts, but here's the meaning behind them:

• Name servers function as Internet traffic controllers. They help people locate your website by entering its address;
• DNS records act as your website's address book. They instruct computers to locate the various sections of your website;
• Security is extremely important. The use of DNSSEC and DDoS protection protects your website from malicious actors.

By addressing these factors, you can ensure that your website is:

• Simple to locate;
• Quick to load;
• Safe to use.

All about the technical aspects of web design:

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• Choosing the Perfect Domain Name for Your Website
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• Understanding CDN: Boost Website Speed & Performance