DNS Explained

What is DNS?

DNS is a program that connects a domain name to an Internet Protocol address (IP address), which is the numerical address computers use to locate websites. DNS allows you to use easy, human-friendly domain names instead of the long strings of numbers that comprise computer language.

Think about the contacts folder in your mobile phone. When you want to call your friend “Bob” you select his name from your contacts list and his unique phone number is dialed. Would you rather remember the name “Bob” or memorize his entire 10 digit phone number? Like DNS, all you have to know is the name and you’ll be connected to the number saved under that person’s name every time.

So, when someone types your business domain into a web browser, DNS looks up the IP address linked to that domain and tells your browser the right number to “dial” to get to the correct website.

How Does DNS Work?

Here’s the process DNS goes through when connecting a domain name to a website:

1. A domain name with correct form is typed into a web browser (www.randomwebsite.com)

The browser recognizes the domain name and begins looking for instructions on where to go based on the parts of that domain name.

2. The browser asks DNS for the correct IP address

The browser sends a request to DNS asking, “What IP address is this domain connected to?” DNS acts like a lookup service that knows to which website the domain is pointing.

3. DNS finds and returns the correct destination

DNS checks its records and responds with the IP address linked to the requested domain name. This tells the browser the exact location of your website.

4. The browser connects to the website and loads the page

Using the IP address provided by DNS, the browser connects to the server where the website lives and displays the content of that website.

Even though several steps are involved, the entire process happens in milliseconds. How many milliseconds, of course, depends on the speed of the internet service you’re getting from your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Easy DNS Set Up Guide

Your domain name needs directions so the internet knows where to send visitors. Setting up DNS is just telling your domain where your website lives.

Step 1: Sign in where you bought your domain

• Go to the company where you purchased your domain name and sign in.
• Look for a section labeled: Domain Settings, Manage Domain, or DNS Settings. This will be the control panel for your domain.

Step 2: Get the directions from your website platform

Your website platform (ex: WordPress, Wix, Squarespace) gives you the IP address your domain should point to. This might look like a short group of numbers or a web-style address. Copy that information exactly as it appears.

Step 3: Tell your domain to point to that location

In your domain settings, paste in the address from the previous step in the IP address field, then save the changes. This step tells DNS, “When someone types my domain, send them here.”

Step 4: Make sure both versions of your domain work

People may type in your domain with or without the “www” bit. Your settings need to make sure that both “www.yourwebsite.com” and “yourwebsite.com” send visitors to the same place. Most platforms will tell you exactly what to copy/paste so both versions work properly.

Step 5: Waiting and patience

Changes or updates to DNS do not happen automatically. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to a whole day for DNS to recognize changes.

Step 6: Test your website

After some time has passed, type your domain into your favorite browser to see if your site appears. If it does, you’re done! If it doesn’t appear, go through the steps again to see if a setting needs to be adjusted or contact your domain name provider for assistance.

At Northwest Registered Agent®, we provide the basic DNS settings for you. Our team of domain specialists are available to help you with any changes or adjustments you may need. It’s good to know the steps just in case you wish to customize or make changes to DNS settings on your own. It’s also good to have a provider that can take care of all this for you.

DNS Made Simple for Domain Owners

DNS may seem very technical, but at its core, its only purpose is to correctly guide your domain name to your website. Once set up, it works quietly in the background and rarely requires any further attention.

Whether you’re launching a new site or making a change later on, understanding the basics of DNS gives you the confidence that your domain is working the way it should. Knowing the basics will also help you ask the right questions when choosing a domain service to handle DNS setup for you, so you can focus on running your business instead of troubleshooting settings.