Enter a URL
At the heart of every website is its domain name—the label we type into our browsers. However, behind the scenes, computers connect using a series of numbers known as IP addresses.
When you enter a domain name into a browser, it needs to find the correct IP address to locate the server where the website is hosted. This process relies on a system called DNS (Domain Name System).
DNS functions like the phonebook of the internet. When you type in a domain name, DNS servers work behind the scenes to connect you to the appropriate IP address. This globally distributed network ensures quick translations across the vast expanse of the web.
IP addresses come in two versions: IPv4 and IPv6. IPv4 looks like this: 192.168.0.1, while IPv6 is a longer string of numbers and letters. These addresses act as unique identifiers for internet-connected devices.
Converting a domain name to an IP address involves several steps. First, the device checks its local cache to see if it already knows the IP for the domain. If not, it queries the DNS resolver, which contacts other DNS servers until it finds the correct IP.
Computers, browsers, and internet service providers maintain a cache of DNS records, which speeds up future visits to previously accessed websites by reducing the time needed to convert a domain to an IP address.
DNS records come with a Time-to-Live (TTL) value, indicating how long the information remains valid. Once this time expires, the DNS resolver retrieves a fresh copy of the IP address, ensuring you always have the latest information.
When a website changes its hosting provider or server, it is assigned a new IP address. This change doesn't propagate instantaneously across the globe; it takes time for DNS servers worldwide to update with the new IP address, a period known as DNS propagation.
To find the IP address associated with a domain, you can use online tools like "nslookup" or "ping" from your computer's command prompt. These tools provide easy access to IP addresses and response times.
Understanding the link between domain names and IP addresses is crucial for security. Cybersecurity experts use this knowledge to detect and block malicious IP addresses, enhancing internet security