Explain the purpose of DNS and how it works.
Tests understanding of the Domain Name System and the resolution process from domain to IP.
Why Interviewers Ask This
DNS is the backbone of internet navigation. Interviewers want to ensure you understand how requests are routed and the hierarchy of name servers involved.
How to Answer This Question
Define DNS as a directory service translating domains to IPs. Describe the recursive query process involving root, TLD, and authoritative servers. Mention caching and TTL. Explain the importance of redundancy and load balancing in DNS infrastructure.
Key Points to Cover
- Domain to IP translation
- Server hierarchy
- Caching mechanisms
- Resolution process
Sample Answer
DNS translates human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses. When a user enters a URL, the resolver queries root servers, then TLD servers, and finally authoritative servers to find the IP. Caching at various levels speeds up future lookups, reducing latency and server load significantly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing DNS with DHCP
- Omitting the role of root servers
- Ignoring caching benefits
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