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What is the difference between NS and DNS?

Published in DNS & Records 3 mins read

NS and DNS are related but distinct concepts within the Domain Name System (DNS). DNS is the overall system that translates domain names (like google.com) into IP addresses (like 172.217.160.142) that computers use to communicate. NS, on the other hand, specifically refers to nameserver records.

DNS: The Big Picture

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a hierarchical and distributed naming system for computers, services, or any resource connected to the Internet or a private network. It's essentially a massive phone book that translates human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses. Without DNS, you'd have to remember complex IP addresses to access websites – a logistical nightmare.

NS Records: Pointing to the Authority

NS records, or nameserver records, are a crucial part of the DNS. They specify which DNS servers are authoritative for a particular domain. In simpler terms, they tell the internet where to find the actual IP addresses and other DNS information for a domain. Each domain has one or more nameservers listed in its NS records. When you type a domain name into your browser, your computer first queries these nameservers to find the necessary information.

  • Example: If you visit example.com, your computer first contacts the nameservers specified in example.com's NS records. These nameservers then provide the IP address of example.com's web server, allowing your browser to connect and display the website.

  • Key Difference: DNS is the entire system; NS records are a specific type of record within the DNS system that indicates the location of authoritative DNS servers for a domain. Think of DNS as a library, and NS records as the index card that tells you which shelf contains the specific book you're looking for (the domain's IP address).

In short: DNS is the broader system, while NS records are a specific type of data within that system, directing you to the servers holding the domain's complete DNS information. References confirm this distinction, emphasizing that NS records indicate authoritative DNS servers for a domain. They're essential for resolving domain names to IP addresses.

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