The Phone Book of the Internet
DNS (Domain Name System) is the system that translates human-readable domain names like "example.com" into IP addresses that computers use to communicate. Without DNS, you would need to remember IP addresses like 93.184.216.34 to visit websites.
How DNS Works
When you type a domain name in your browser:
- Your computer queries a DNS resolver (usually your ISP's)
- The resolver checks its cache or queries authoritative DNS servers
- The IP address is returned to your browser
- Your browser connects to the web server at that IP
Why DNS History Matters
Tracking DNS changes over time reveals:
- When domains changed hosting providers
- Historical infrastructure connections
- Potential security incidents
- Domain ownership changes
Try DNS Timeline to explore the DNS history of any domain.