What is a Host Name Server?

Hello Dev, are you in the process of creating a website, or have you recently created one? Having a website is a great way to showcase your business or personal brand, but there are many technical terms that can seem overwhelming. One of these terms is the host name server. In this journal article, we will break down what a host name server is in relaxed English language, and answer any questions you may have. Let’s get started!

What is a Host Name Server?

A host name server, or DNS (Domain Name System) server, is responsible for translating human-friendly domain names, such as www.example.com, into an IP (Internet Protocol) address that computers can understand. Every website on the internet has an IP address, but it is much easier for humans to remember domain names instead.

When a user types in a domain name into their web browser, such as Google Chrome or Safari, the browser sends a request to the DNS server to resolve the domain name into an IP address. Once the DNS server has found the IP address, it sends it back to the browser, which can then connect to the web server where the website is hosted.

How do Host Name Servers Work?

A host name server works by storing a database of domain names and their corresponding IP addresses. This database is constantly being updated to ensure that domain names lead to the correct IP addresses. When a user types in a domain name, their computer sends a request to their ISP’s (Internet Service Provider) DNS server. If the ISP’s DNS server does not have the IP address for the domain name in its cache, it will send a request to the root DNS server.

The root DNS server then forwards the request to the appropriate TLD (Top Level Domain) DNS server, such as .com or .org. The TLD DNS server then forwards the request to the authoritative DNS server for the specific domain name. The authoritative DNS server will have the correct IP address for the domain name, and sends it back to the user’s computer via the same path.

Types of Host Name Servers

There are multiple types of host name servers, including primary name servers, secondary name servers, caching name servers, and forwarding name servers. Let’s briefly explain each of these types:

Primary Name Servers

A primary name server is the first point of contact for resolving domain names. It stores the authoritative DNS records for a specific domain name. If the primary name server goes offline, the domain name will not be able to resolve.

Secondary Name Servers

A secondary name server is a backup for the primary name server. It contains a copy of the DNS records, and can be used if the primary name server goes offline. Secondary name servers can also be used to spread the load of resolving DNS queries.

Caching Name Servers

A caching name server stores the IP address for recently resolved domain names in its cache. This can speed up the DNS resolution process, as the server does not have to send a request to the root DNS server or TLD DNS server every time a domain name is requested.

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Forwarding Name Servers

A forwarding name server forwards DNS queries to another DNS server. This can be useful if an organization has multiple locations, and wants to consolidate DNS queries to a centralized DNS server.

FAQ

Question
Answer
Do I need to have my own host name server?
No, most website hosting providers will provide you with their own host name server. However, if you have advanced technical knowledge, you may want to consider setting up your own host name server for more control over your domain names.
How often do host name servers update their database?
Host name servers update their database regularly, to ensure that domain names resolve to the correct IP addresses. The exact frequency depends on the DNS server, but it can range from a few hours to a few days.
What happens if a host name server goes offline?
If a host name server goes offline, domain names will not be able to resolve until the server comes back online. This is why it is important to have backup name servers, such as secondary name servers, to prevent downtime for your website.
Can I change the host name server for my domain name?
Yes, you can change the host name server for your domain name. This can be useful if you want to switch website hosting providers, or if you want to use a custom host name server for more control over your domain names.
Is a host name server the same as a web server?
No, a host name server is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses. A web server, on the other hand, is responsible for hosting the website itself.

We hope this journal article has helped you understand what a host name server is, and how it works. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us. Good luck with your website!

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