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IP addresses are converted to a hierarchy of domain names.
IP Addresses
IP addresses are numerical labels assigned to devices connected to a computer network. They serve the purpose of identifying and locating devices on a network, enabling communication between them. IP addresses are essential for the functioning of the internet and are a fundamental aspect of networking.
Domain Names
Domain names, on the other hand, are user-friendly names used to identify websites and resources on the internet. They provide a more memorable and meaningful way to access online content. A domain name consists of two main parts: the top-level domain (TLD) and the second-level domain (SLD). For example, in the domain name "example.com," "com" is the TLD, and "example" is the SLD.
DNS and Domain Name Resolution
The Domain Name System (DNS) is responsible for converting domain names into IP addresses. When a user enters a domain name in their web browser, the DNS system is queried to find the corresponding IP address of the requested domain. This process is known as domain name resolution.
Hierarchy of Domain Names
The hierarchy of domain names is based on a tree-like structure, with the root at the top and different levels of domains branching out below it. This hierarchy helps organize and manage domain names efficiently. The hierarchy consists of the following levels:
1. Root DomainAt the top of the hierarchy is the root domain, represented by a single dot (.). It is the starting point for all domain names and is not visible in normal usage.
2. Top-Level Domains (TLDs)Below the root domain are the top-level domains (TLDs), which are divided into two categories:
- Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs): These consist of generic domain extensions such as .com, .org, .net, etc.
- Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs): These represent specific countries or territories, such as .us, .uk, .fr, etc.
3. Second-Level Domains (SLDs)Below the TLDs are the second-level domains (SLDs), which are chosen by individuals, organizations, or businesses to create unique and identifiable domain names. Examples include "google" in google.com and "facebook" in facebook.com.
4. SubdomainsSubdomains are optional extensions of the SLD and can be used to further organize and categorize websites. For example, in the domain name "blog.example.com," "blog" is a subdomain of "example.com."
Conversion Process
When a user enters a domain name in their web browser, the DNS system performs a series of lookups to convert the domain name into its corresponding IP address. This conversion process involves traversing the hierarchy of domain names, starting from the root domain and moving down to the specific domain.
The DNS system uses a combination of authoritative DNS servers, which hold the information about specific domain names, and recursive DNS servers, which perform the lookups on behalf of the user. By following the hierarchy of domain names, the DNS system can accurately resolve the domain name to its corresponding IP address.
In conclusion, IP addresses are converted to a hierarchy of domain names through the DNS system. This hierarchy allows for the