5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Domain Name System | Risks & Benefits of Domain Name System (DNS)

What is DNS ?

Domain Name System (DNS) is a kind of computer server that posses all database of IP addresses. In other words it is a hierarchical naming system where users on the same network can access other computers or devices.

How does DNS work ?

Basically when the user searches in the URL, the request will be sent to the DNS server instead of the google server. These DNS servers use lookup table to find out whether the answer is stored inside the computer's cache. If it is not it forwards the request to the relevant servers so that correct informations can be displayed on the user's web browser. For this purpose it uses 2 DNS servers. Those are the Primary and Secondary.

What is the use of DNS ?

DNS makes it easier for connecting to search engines without needing to type IP addresses. It also contains other major features those are commonly used by the web masters. Users have to consider these major vulnerabilities so that attackers won't exploit the use of DNS.

In this article, I will be illustrating about 5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Domain Name System | Risks & Benefits of Domain Name System (DNS). Through this post you will know the pros and cons of using DNS.

Let's get started,

Advantages of DNS

1. Internet Dependency

Internet has become an important aspect of our daily life such that people and companies cannot carry out their works without internet. DNS makes it easier to use the internet by remembering all the IP addresses. In fact without DNS, internet would simply not exist.

2. Internet Speed

One of the key features in DNS is that it can offer high speed connections. Individuals and organizations mostly take use of this speed.

3. Security

Some DNS servers are specifically designed for security purposes such that it has become an important component for your home or work connections. Whenever hackers try to hack the servers, their attempts are prevented gaining access into your systems. However if it is a large organization with lots of sensitive informations, you need other security measures as well.

4. IP Address Conversion

DNS allows users to categorize and archive search terms without needing to remember IP addresses. All the domains are converted into IP addresses when the name is given to the search engines. Therefore, you don't need to memorize IP address for each and every site that you access frequently.

5. Stability

For some reasons the IP address of websites may change. So users are in need to keep up to date of this information too. This can be very laborious task. But for facilitating this, DNS system constantly updates IP address so that users can avoid important efforts.

Disadvantages of DNS

1. Registry Control

Registry control of DNS is under ICANN. Which means that no other organizations will be able to control them. Hence, the concept of net neutrality is questioned here. ICANN is known as a non-profit organization which originates from one single country.

2. Client Informations

Informations about the client who started the name resolution do not normally get carried by the DNS queries. Due to this the server side will be able to know the IP address of DNS servers. It can be manipulated by hackers.

3. Server Breakdown

When the DNS server gets broken down, the World Wide Web would crash too. Al though in the presence of back up servers and root servers. This is because once the server crashes the connection to the local network will get disconnected not allowing the clients to reach them.

4. DNS Attacks

One of the major problems that DNS undergoes is the DNS attack. In here the original DNS address is replaced with a fake one so that users are redirected into fraudulent websites. From this attackers can gather sensitive informations such as band account details.

5. Troubleshooting

DNS issues are generally difficult to troubleshoot. This is due to its distributed nature and geographical locations.