What is the primary function of DNS in networking?

What is the primary function of DNS in networking?

• A. It translates domain names to IP addresses so browsers can load resources.
• B. It stores user passwords.
• C. It manages router firmware updates.
• D. It assigns MAC addresses to devices.

Answer: (A)

DNS translates domain names into IP addresses that devices use to locate resources on the network. When you type a web address, your device asks a DNS resolver to find the IP linked to that domain. The resolver might query root servers, then top-level domain servers, and finally the domain’s authoritative server to get the exact address. With that IP, your browser can connect to the right server and load the page. This system lets people use easy-to-remember names while networks use numeric addresses for routing, and it also benefits from caching and redundancy to speed up lookups and improve reliability. The other options don’t fit because DNS isn’t for storing passwords, updating router firmware, or assigning MAC addresses; those tasks involve authentication/storage, device management, or hardware addressing rather than naming resolution.

DNS translates domain names into IP addresses that devices use to locate resources on the network. When you type a web address, your device asks a DNS resolver to find the IP linked to that domain. The resolver might query root servers, then top-level domain servers, and finally the domain’s authoritative server to get the exact address. With that IP, your browser can connect to the right server and load the page. This system lets people use easy-to-remember names while networks use numeric addresses for routing, and it also benefits from caching and redundancy to speed up lookups and improve reliability. The other options don’t fit because DNS isn’t for storing passwords, updating router firmware, or assigning MAC addresses; those tasks involve authentication/storage, device management, or hardware addressing rather than naming resolution.