ROOT SERVER Meaning and
Definition
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A root server refers to a crucial element in the Domain Name System (DNS), which is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses. It can be defined as a powerful server that plays a fundamental role in the hierarchical infrastructure of the DNS. There are a total of 13 root servers distributed around the world.
The primary function of a root server is to respond to queries from DNS resolvers by providing them with information about top-level domains (TLDs). When a user enters a domain name in their browser, the resolver forwards the request to a root server. These servers contain a list of all the TLDs, such as .com, .org, or .net, along with their associated authoritative name servers.
However, contrary to popular belief, the root servers do not store all the domain name information. Instead, they act as a directory service and redirect the resolver to the appropriate TLD name server that oversees the specific domain the user is searching for. This hierarchical structure allows for efficient and accurate domain name resolution across the internet.
Root servers are managed and maintained by various organizations, universities, and government entities, ensuring redundancy and fault tolerance. They play a critical role in the functioning of the DNS, ensuring the proper functioning and accessibility of the internet by providing authoritative information on top-level domains.
Common Misspellings for ROOT SERVER
- eoot server
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- foot server
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- riot server
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- roit server
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- roor server
- roof server
Etymology of ROOT SERVER
The word "root server" has a relatively straightforward etymology.
The term "root" in this context refers to the root zone of the Domain Name System (DNS), which is the highest level of the DNS hierarchy. The root zone consists of the DNS servers that store the authoritative information for the top-level domains (TLDs) such as .com, .org, .net, and country-code TLDs like .us, .uk, etc.
The word "server" is derived from the Middle English word "servant" and refers to a computer or a program that provides services to other computers or clients. In the case of a root server, it refers to a computer or a network of computers that serve as the primary resource for DNS resolution. These servers maintain the highly important root zone data and respond to DNS queries for domain names that are not cached or resolved elsewhere.
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