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Typing a domain into your browser triggers a surprisingly involved lookup process, all completed in a fraction of a second.
1. Checking Local Cache
Your browser and operating system first check if they already know the answer from a recent lookup.
2. Asking a Recursive Resolver
If not cached, your device asks a recursive resolver (often provided by your ISP or a public service like Google DNS) to find the answer.
3. Querying Root and TLD Servers
The resolver asks a root server which server handles your domain's extension (.com, .ca), then asks that TLD server which nameserver handles your specific domain.
4. Reaching the Authoritative Nameserver
Finally, the resolver asks your domain's actual nameserver for the IP address, and that answer gets returned to your browser, which then connects to your server directly.
