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How DNS Works
The distributed lookup that turns a domain name into an IP address
Reviewed by Abhijith N M · 24 October 2026 · Editorial standards
The Simple VersionNo jargon
When you type a domain, your device asks a resolver for its address. The resolver walks from the root servers to the TLD servers, then to the domain's authoritative nameservers, and returns the record. Results are cached at every step for a time set by the record's TTL. DNS is a hierarchy of delegated zones, not one global database. A record change is visible immediately on the authoritative server, then spreads gradually as caches expire.
How DNS Works — Visual Breakdown
Click any step below to inspect
Your Browser
DNS Resolver
(ISP)
Root
Nameserver
.com TLD
Nameserver
Authoritative
Nameserver
Sequence of Events
Why It Matters in Production
Many 'the site is down' incidents start with DNS: a stale A record, a missing CNAME, or a TTL that was too long during a migration. Lower the TTL before a planned cutover, not after. Keep nameserver delegation and DNSSEC records in version control. DNS is also an attack surface: a hijacked registrar account or a spoofed response can redirect traffic before TLS even starts. Use registrar lock, MFA and DNSSEC where your provider supports it.
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