Introduction
Every website has an IP address — but you type names like "google.com" instead of numbers like 142.250.80.46. The system that translates domain names to IP addresses is called DNS (Domain Name System). Here's how it works and why it matters.
What Is DNS?
DNS is often called "the phonebook of the internet." It's a global distributed database that maps human-readable domain names (like what-is-my-ip.best) to the numerical IP addresses that computers use to find each other.
Without DNS, you'd have to memorize IP addresses for every website you want to visit.
How DNS Works: Step by Step
- You type
what-is-my-ip.bestinto your browser - Your device asks your DNS resolver (usually your ISP's DNS server or a public one like 8.8.8.8): "What IP address is this domain?"
- The resolver queries a chain of DNS servers (root → TLD → authoritative)
- The authoritative name server for
what-is-my-ip.bestresponds with its IP address - Your browser connects to that IP address
- The website loads
The whole process takes milliseconds and is cached so repeat visits are faster.
DNS and Your Privacy
Your DNS queries are a partial record of every website you visit. By default, they're sent unencrypted to your ISP's DNS server — meaning your ISP can see which domains you're resolving.
Privacy-enhancing alternatives:
- DNS over HTTPS (DoH) — Encrypts DNS queries so your ISP can't read them
- DNS over TLS (DoT) — Another encrypted DNS protocol
- Using a VPN — Routes all DNS through the VPN provider's resolver
Popular Public DNS Servers
| Provider | Primary DNS | Secondary DNS |
|---|---|---|
| 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 | |
| Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1 |
| OpenDNS | 208.67.222.222 | 208.67.220.220 |
| Quad9 | 9.9.9.9 | 149.112.112.112 |
Switching to a faster DNS server can noticeably improve browsing speed.
How to Change Your DNS Server
Windows: Settings → Network & Internet → your connection → DNS settings → Manual → enter preferred DNS
Mac: System Settings → Network → your connection → Details → DNS tab → add DNS server
Router: Log into your router admin panel → WAN/Internet settings → DNS servers → enter your preferred DNS
Conclusion
DNS is the invisible infrastructure that makes the internet usable. It connects domain names to IP addresses instantly, billions of times per day. Choosing a faster or more private DNS server is one of the easiest optimizations you can make to your internet experience.
Check your current IP address and connection details at what-is-my-ip.best.
Last updated: 2026 | Category: How IP Works