What service is provided by DNS?
- Resolves domain names, such as cisco.com, into IP addresses.
- A basic set of rules for exchanging text, graphic images, sound, video, and other multimedia files on the web.
- Allows for data transfers between a client and a file server.
- Uses encryption to secure the exchange of text, graphic images, sound, and video on the web.
Explanation: The Domain Name System (DNS) is a foundational application layer protocol designed to automate the translation of human-readable domain names into the numeric IP addresses required for network communication. Because it is impractical for users to memorize complex strings of numbers, DNS provides a hierarchical mapping service that allows individuals to use recognizable names, such as cisco.com, while the network infrastructure continues to route data based on underlying numeric identifiers. This automated resolution process is essential for maintaining connectivity even if a server’s numeric IP address changes, as the updated address can simply be re-linked to the existing domain name without impacting the end user’s experience. While other protocols like HTTP manage the exchange of web content and FTP handles file transfers, DNS specifically serves as the directory service that ensures requests are directed to the correct destination host.
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