What is a root server

A server that is essential in converting a domain name into an IP address is known as a DNS root server (or simply root server). It answers clients’ requests or inquiries in the DNS root zone (the root zone marks the highest, or first, level in the DNS name space). Instead of performing name resolution themselves, DNS root servers advise clients of the other name servers (DNS servers). From whom additional information about the requested IP address can be obtained. Here are some pointers on what a root server is and how to consider it in your SEO strategy.

DNS queries

When a computer connected to the Internet wants to resolve a domain name, it does so from right to left. It asks each DNS server, each in turn, to resolve the element to its left. The DNS root servers (which manage the . domain) know the servers that manage the top-level domains. Each top-level domain (such as .org) has its own servers that, in turn, forward the request to the DNS servers that handle the names of particular domains (such as wikipedia.org). These servers then return the IP address corresponding to the subdomain or host.

Overview of DNS root servers

There are a total of 13 main DNS root servers. Each is named with letters from “A” to “M”. All have an IPv4 address and most have an IPv6 address. Basic root server management is the responsibility of ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers). However, they are managed by different institutions to ensure that the data exchange in the root zone is always correct, accessible, and secure.

Difference with dedicated root servers

The root server is different from dedicated root servers, which can be rented by web hosting providers. These hosts are often referred to as root servers because they differ from managed servers in that they have root access.

What happens if a DNS root server becomes unavailable?

Thanks to the use of Anycast routing and high redundancy, root servers are very reliable. But on rare occasions, a root server will need to update its IP address.

When learning what a root server is, remember: they are an important component of the Domain Name System (DNS), a fundamental component of the Internet, and are essential for name resolution in the DNS where the domain name.