What is a DNS and Name Server?

What is a DNS (Domain Name System)

Put simply, the DNS (Domain Name System) is a network of databases. These databases are maintained and managed by several internet authorities, such as IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority) and ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers).

The DNS is essentially a database that catalogues every IP address and domain name pair.

What is DNS Software

DNS software is a program that is installed on a web server and used to facilitate the transference of data related to the Domain Name System. This type of server is commonly referred to as a Name Server.

What is a Name Server

A Name Server is a web server that has DNS software installed on it, particularly a server that is managed by a web host that is designated for managing the domain names that are associated with all of the hosting provider’s accounts.

The main crux or confusion when people mention they logged into the DNS is that they didn’t log into the DNS but rather, logged into a Name Server or DNS Server.