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DNS
DNS (Domain Name System) commonly utilizes port 53 to translate human-readable domain names into numerical IP addresses essential for internet communication. While most DNS queries occur via UDP for efficiency, TCP is used for tasks that require reliability, such as zone transfers and larger query responses. DNS acts as the backbone of internet navigation, enabling users to access websites and services seamlessly by resolving hostnames into routable addresses..
The Domain Name System (DNS) is a hierarchical and decentralized naming framework critical to the functionality of the internet and private networks. It translates friendly, memorable domain names, like example.com, into numerical IP addresses, enabling devices to locate each other over IP-based networks. DNS consists of several components, including recursive resolvers, root servers, top-level domain (TLD) servers, and authoritative name servers, orchestrating query resolution from the user's initial request to the final IP address result.
Typically, DNS queries are initiated using UDP over port 53 because it offers low latency and minimal resource consumption. UDP is ideal for straightforward query/response transactions. However, when the DNS response data size exceeds 512 bytes (as in DNSSEC validation or long TXT records), or for operations such as zone transfers (AXFR/IXFR), TCP over the same port is employed to ensure reliable data transmission. This dual-protocol design maintains a balance between efficiency and reliability.
DNS supports multiple record types stored in zones, such as:
This flexibility underpins critical services such as email delivery, web hosting, service discovery, and network management.