Basic understanding of Networking : DNS, IP, CNAME and more
Biswa Ranjan
2/12/20244 min read
Introduction
In today's digital age, understanding network-related concepts is essential for anyone who uses the internet. Whether you're a casual user or a web developer, having a basic knowledge of terms like DNS, CNAME, IP addresses, virtual hosts, and more can greatly enhance your understanding of how the internet works. In this blog post, we'll explore these concepts in a casual and easy-to-understand manner.
DNS (Domain Name System)
The Domain Name System, or DNS, is like the phonebook of the internet. It translates human-readable domain names, such as www.example.com, into IP addresses, which are the numerical addresses that computers use to communicate with each other. When you type a URL into your web browser, the DNS server looks up the corresponding IP address and directs your request to the appropriate server.
For example, if you type "www.example.com" into your browser, the DNS server will translate it into an IP address like "192.0.2.1" and connect you to the server hosting the website.
CNAME (Canonical Name)
A CNAME, or Canonical Name, is a type of DNS record that allows you to point one domain or subdomain to another domain name. It is often used to create aliases or subdomains for existing domains.
For instance, if you have a website hosted at "www.example.com" and you want to create a subdomain for your blog, you can set up a CNAME record that points "blog.example.com" to "www.example.com". This way, both URLs will lead to the same website.
IP Addresses
IP addresses are unique numerical identifiers assigned to every device connected to a network. There are two main types of IP addresses: IPV4 and IPV6.
IPV4 (Internet Protocol Version 4)
IPV4 addresses are made up of four sets of numbers separated by periods. Each set can range from 0 to 255. For example, "192.0.2.1" is a valid IPV4 address. However, due to the limited number of available IPV4 addresses, the internet has transitioned to IPV6.
IPV6 (Internet Protocol Version 6)
IPV6 addresses are the next generation of IP addresses and are designed to replace IPV4. They are made up of eight sets of hexadecimal numbers separated by colons. For example, "2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334" is a valid IPV6 address. IPV6 allows for a significantly larger number of unique addresses compared to IPV4.
Virtual Hosts
A virtual host is a method of hosting multiple websites on a single physical server. It allows you to use one server to host multiple domain names or websites, each with its own unique content and configuration.
Virtual hosts work by using the HTTP Host header sent by the client's web browser to determine which website to serve. For example, if a server hosts both "www.example.com" and "www.anotherexample.com," it can use virtual hosts to direct incoming requests to the appropriate website based on the requested domain name.
Physical Hosts
A physical host, also known as a server, is a physical machine that hosts websites or other online services. It can be a dedicated server or a shared server where multiple websites are hosted on the same hardware.
Physical hosts are responsible for storing website files, processing requests, and delivering web content to users. They are typically located in data centers and connected to the internet through high-speed connections.
Static IP vs. Dynamic IP
IP addresses can be classified as either static or dynamic.
Static IP
A static IP address is an IP address that remains the same over time. It is manually assigned to a device and does not change unless manually updated. Static IP addresses are often used for servers, routers, or other devices that need a consistent address for remote access or hosting services.
Dynamic IP
A dynamic IP address is an IP address that is automatically assigned to a device by a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server. Dynamic IP addresses can change over time, as they are leased and released by the DHCP server. They are commonly used for personal computers, smartphones, and other devices that connect to the internet temporarily.
Logical Name vs. Physical Name
When it comes to network-related concepts, you may come across the terms "logical name" and "physical name."
Logical Name
A logical name refers to a name that is used to identify a device or resource in a network. It is often a user-friendly name that is easier to remember and use than an IP address. For example, "www.example.com" is a logical name that corresponds to an IP address.
Physical Name
A physical name, on the other hand, refers to the actual hardware or device that is associated with a logical name. It could be the physical server hosting a website or the network interface card (NIC) of a computer. The physical name is the tangible component that enables the logical name to function.
Conclusion
Understanding network-related concepts such as DNS, CNAME, IP addresses, virtual hosts, physical hosts, static IP, dynamic IP, logical name, and physical name is crucial for navigating the internet and working with websites. Whether you're a website owner, a developer, or simply a curious internet user, having a grasp of these concepts will help you make sense of the complex infrastructure that powers the online world.
By demystifying these terms and explaining them in a casual and easy-to-understand manner, we hope this blog post has provided you with a solid foundation to explore and learn more about the fascinating world of networking.