A DNS query is a request for information about a domain name system (DNS) record. When a user types a website address into their browser, the browser first checks its own cache for the IP address associated with the domain name. If the IP address is not found in the cache, the browser sends a DNS query to a DNS server.
The DNS server receives the query and checks its own cache for the IP address associated with the domain name. If the IP address is not found in the cache, the DNS server sends a query to other servers in the DNS hierarchy until it finds the IP address associated with the domain name.
Once the DNS server finds the IP address, it sends the information back to the user’s browser. The browser then uses the IP address to connect to the server hosting the website.
In summary, a DNS query involves the following steps:
1. The user types a website address into their browser.
2. The browser checks its cache for the IP address associated with the domain name.
3. If the IP address is not found in the cache, the browser sends a DNS query to a DNS server.
4. The DNS server checks its cache for the IP address.
5. If the IP address is not found in the cache, the DNS server sends a query to other servers in the DNS hierarchy.
6. The DNS server returns the IP address to the user’s browser.
7. The browser uses the IP address to connect to the server hosting the website.