Simply explained: what is a root server?

E -mail, download or websites: without DNS, nothing works on the internet, because this is For the dissolution of cryptic IP addresses in significant names responsible. In this context, even the so -called root servers play an elementary role, without which IP addresses in their current form would not be possible. In this article we explain how a root server works, Which task does in the system of domain names And what distinguishes him from a dedicated server.

1. Root Server? What is it?

A root server (also the root name server, the DNS root server or the short root server) is by definition a server, Its only task is to publish the root area of ​​the DNS. He deals with an elementary function when translating a domain name into an IP address (the so -called «forward lookup») responding to customers’ requests in the root area of ​​the DNS. Radice servers can Both under Windows and Linux be managed.

Good to know: The root area marks the highest level in the DNS name room.

A basic distinction is made between Two types of root server:

• Global DNS-Root-Server Make sure you can browse the Internet with your computer, smartphone or tablet and the domain is forwarded to the right server. There are currently 13 servers of this type distributed all over the world and synchronize your data continuously. They are managed by various institutions, which in turn are subject to icann (internet corporation for names and number assigned). DNS root servers are continuously based on the diagram . Root -ser.net called and accessible with an IPV4 address and an IPV6 address.
• Wants a company the Manage the root server yourself in a data center Or they have different types of hosting (e.g. in the cloud) and virtual (vserver) or server hardware. You can find more information in the last section of this article.

2. The activity of the root server for the DNS

Root’s name servers do not perform name resolution aloneBut provide only information on the requested clients on which DNS server you will receive more information on the required IP address. In principle, the server named itself manages only a file of almost 2 MB root areaswhich contains all the information necessary for the function of the DNS. By evaluating it according to a fixed hierarchy, IP addresses and higher level domains (TLD) are assigned. In addition, it responds to requests on a TLD if the server name is not responding.

This means, that a root server can theoretically consist of a single computer. In practice, however, there are usually several combined systems («logical servers») which are jointly responsible for this task.

Many servers of different names are used in the resolution of the name, but the Root name servers play a special role within this process. Represent the maximum application for the resolution of the name And they are the first point of contact in terms of research of the IP address. It is therefore very important that you can continually and reliably do your job.

3. The servers of global root names in the overview

Good to know: Each of the root name server listed in the table has an identical copy of the file of the root area.

4. Example of how a root server works

1. Touch the address Wintotal.de in the lines of the browser address.
2. So that your client can connect to the associated IP address and access the desired content by the server, The web address must be converted into an IP address.
3. The first thing to do is to look for the cache. If the address is not there A DNS Query is made to the provider server in question.
4. If the IP address is not available even there, there is a request to the responsible root server. This issues the Registration. The URL can then be dissolved in an IP address and delivered to the required computer. The root server is therefore the last possible instance to dissolve a web addresses in an IP.
5. The IP address can now be read by the browser.

5. Excursus: root server or dedicated server?

This article is exclusively from the servers of root names that affect the system of domain names. The term Root server is often used in the web hosting area as a synonym for a server with superuser rights. Contrary to a «shared server», the host only provides it with a customer and gives it extensive rights. So you have full control over your applications and services, but you must also deal with updates, backup creation, access and safety settings. Root servers are therefore usually suitable only for professional administrators.

If the specialist knowledge necessary for the administration of a root server are missing, it is also possible to rent a server managed with one of the many providers in Germany. This represents a relatively economic alternative to the purchase of one’s hardware, in particular for small and medium -sized, since in addition to the lower investment costs, you also save yourself as regards safety, cooling, maintenance and space. The host deals with the supply and administration of the server, the programs and applications can still be configured individually. The managed server also represents a good alternative to the home. However, the additional effort is reflected in the price: The managed server is generally more expensive than the car –gezed systems.

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