Understanding How DNS Works

This article provides an overview of DNS, its key components, and the DNS resolution process. This guide will help you understand the fundamental concepts and mechanisms behind DNS.

What is DNS?

DNS (Domain Name System) is a protocol that translates human-readable domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the network. It is essential for the functioning of the internet, allowing users to access websites and services using easy-to-remember names.

Key Components of DNS

Domain Names:

• Human-readable names that represent IP addresses.
• Example: www.example.com

IP Addresses:

• Numerical labels are assigned to devices on a network.
• Example: 192.168.1.1

DNS Servers:

• Servers that store and manage domain name information.
• Types: Recursive DNS servers, authoritative DNS servers, and root DNS servers.

DNS Resolution Process

Query Initiation:

• When a user enters a domain name in their browser, a DNS query is initiated to find the corresponding IP address.

Recursive DNS Server:

• The query is first sent to a recursive DNS server, which checks its cache for the IP address.
• This is typically the DNS server your ISP provided to you to use. 
• If the IP address is not found in the cache, the server forwards the query to a root DNS server.

Root DNS Server:

• The root DNS server responds with the address of the authoritative DNS server for the top-level domain (TLD).
• Example: For www.example.com, the root DNS server provides the address of the authoritative DNS server for .com.

Authoritative DNS Server:

• Typically, this is the domain name's DNS provider or DNS registrar (like Network Solutions, which offers DNS registration and hosting). This is where we will find the DNS record that points to the IP address.
• The recursive DNS server forwards the query to the authoritative DNS server for the TLD.
• The authoritative DNS server responds with the IP address of the domain name.

Response to User:

• The recursive DNS server caches the IP address and returns it to the user's device.
• The user's browser uses the IP address to access the website.

How does the CyberFOX DNS Filtering Service work in this process?

CyberFOX DNS Filter reviews all domain name requests and filters them based on the policies you have configured for a Company, Location, or Roaming Device. Allowed DNS requests continue to get the right IP address for the request. Blocked domain names are stopped at our service.