What Is DNS and How Does It Work? A Beginner's Guide
Type a domain name into your browser, and the website usually shows up within a second. Behind the scenes, something clever is happening: DNS looks up which server belongs to that domain name. Without DNS, you'd have to remember a string of numbers for every website instead of a name.
In this article you'll learn what DNS actually is, how a DNS server works, and which DNS records matter if you manage a website. No confusing jargon.
What does DNS mean?
DNS stands for Domain Name System. Think of it as the internet's phone book. People easily remember a name like bhosted.nl, but computers talk to each other using IP addresses: strings of numbers such as 192.0.2.10.
DNS translates the domain name you type into the matching IP address. That translation happens almost instantly, usually in a fraction of a second, entirely in the background.
How does a DNS server work?
When you type a domain name, your browser runs through four steps to find the right address.
- The request starts at the recursor. Your browser sends the request to a DNS recursor, often run by your internet provider or a service such as bHosted's own recursor. This server looks up the answer for you.
- The root server points the way. If the recursor doesn't know the answer yet, it asks a root server. That server tells it which server is responsible for your domain's extension, such as .nl or .com.
- The TLD server forwards the request. The TLD (Top Level Domain) server knows which nameservers belong to a specific domain name and sends the recursor there.
- The nameserver gives the real answer. Your hosting provider's nameserver knows the IP address of your website and sends it back. Your browser then connects to that address and loads the website.
This whole process is called DNS resolution and normally takes just a few milliseconds, partly thanks to caching at multiple levels.
The most important DNS record types
A domain name needs several DNS records to work properly. The most important ones are:
- A record: links a domain name to an IPv4 address. This is the most common record and makes sure visitors reach your website.
- AAAA record: the same as an A record, but for the newer IPv6 address.
- CNAME record: points a subdomain (such as www) to another domain name, without needing its own IP address.
- MX record: determines which server receives your email. Without correctly configured MX records, no mail arrives at your email hosting.
- TXT record: holds text information, often used for domain verification and email security such as SPF and DKIM.
- NS record: shows which nameservers are responsible for your domain name.
At bHosted, these records are set up automatically as soon as you register or move a domain name to us. Prefer to manage your domain yourself? You can easily adjust the records through your customer portal.
How long do DNS changes take to go live?
When you change a DNS record, the change isn't visible everywhere right away. That's because of the TTL (Time To Live): a setting that tells other servers how long they may remember a record before checking again.
A low TTL (say, 5 minutes) spreads changes quickly, but requires more frequent updates. A high TTL (say, 24 hours) is more efficient, but changes then take longer to show up everywhere. In practice, full DNS propagation usually takes anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours.
Want to be sure a change has taken effect? Wait at least a few hours before taking further steps, especially for important changes like moving a domain.
DNS when moving your domain name
DNS plays a leading role when you move a domain name to a new provider. Only once the nameservers correctly point to the new hosting will your website and email be reachable there.
Not sure how that works exactly? Our article on moving your domain name walks you through moving a domain with an authorisation code or token, step by step, including the role DNS plays in that process.
Frequently asked questions about DNS
What happens if my DNS isn't set up correctly? Visitors get an error message or end up on the wrong website, and email can't be delivered. Most problems come from an incorrect or missing A, MX or CNAME record.
Can I manage my own DNS records at bHosted? Yes. You manage your DNS settings yourself through your customer portal, or our support team is happy to take a look with you if you're unsure.
What's the difference between DNS and hosting? Hosting is where your website's files actually live. DNS makes sure visitors can find that location by translating your domain name into the right address. You need both for a working website.
How do I check whether my DNS is set up correctly? Online DNS lookup tools show you immediately which records are active and whether they correctly point to your hosting. Not sure about the result? Feel free to contact our helpdesk.
Do I need to configure anything when I register a domain name at bHosted? No. When you register a new domain name through bHosted, the DNS settings are already configured correctly for use with our hosting.
Get started with your domain name and DNS at bHosted
DNS sounds technical, but in practice it doesn't have to be. Register a domain name at bHosted, and everything is automatically set up correctly.
Already hosting your website elsewhere and thinking about switching? Take a look at our web hosting and read how easy a move can be. Not sure about a setting? Our support team is happy to think along with you.
Want to know more about domain names, email and hosting? Keep reading on our blog or get in touch with our team.
