Week 6

Name resolution Breakdown

Name Resolution: The process of converting domain names (like www.google.com) into IP addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.100).

Why It's Important: Computers communicate using IP addresses, so name resolution is essential for network interaction.

  • How It Works:

    • Browser checks the local hosts file (personal address book) first.
    • If the domain is not found, the computer queries a DNS server (like an internet librarian).
    • DNS server sends back the IP address, allowing the computer to connect to the website.
  • Methods of Name Resolution:

    • Hosts file: Simple, but requires manual updates.
    • DNS: A distributed system that efficiently handles domain-to-IP translation.
    • Multicast DNS: Used for automatic name discovery in local networks.
    • Link-Local Multicast Name Resolution: A protocol specific to Windows systems.
  • DNS Security:

    • Critical for the internet's function; attacks can disrupt access for many users.
    • DNS queries can reveal browsing history, raising privacy concerns.
  • Conclusion:

    • Name resolution is a key process for accessing websites and devices using easy-to-remember names instead of IP addresses.
    • While the hosts file is simple, DNS provides the scalability and reliability needed for the modern internet.

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