What is DNS?
DNS stands for Domain Name System. It is a name resolution service that automatically maps the IP addresses of web servers (for example “178.20.101.17”) to domain names such as “taismo.de”. People remember domain names more easily and more intuitively, because they usually consist of familiar words of a language and, unlike IPv4 or IPv6 addresses, are not just a random combination of letters and numbers.
How does DNS work?
Put simply, DNS works like a phone book.
Instead of
| Name | Phone number |
| Miller | 089/123456 |
the database of the DNS service holds
| Domain name of a website | IP address of the web server |
| taismo.de | 178.20.101.17 |
When you type a domain name into a browser, the request goes to the DNS first. The service searches its database for a matching entry. If it finds one, it translates the domain name and passes the request on to the corresponding web server. The website that sits in a directory on that server is then displayed. Every HTTP status code you later see in the browser comes from that server, not from the DNS.
Why do you need DNS?
When you build a new website, you first have to buy the domain you want, provided it is still available, from a domain registry, usually for a fee. After that you need an entry on a DNS server that ties the domain name to a server address and a directory. Most web hosting providers and domain name registrars offer services that let you create these entries directly on their own platform.
If you want to move your website from one web server to another, all that has to change after the move is the DNS entry.
Do you need help with your website migration?
