What is the Difference Between IP and DNS?

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The main difference between IP and DNS lies in their purpose and functionality within the internet infrastructure. Here are the key differences:

  • IP (Internet Protocol): IP is a protocol that defines the rules for IP addressing, which assigns a unique numerical label to each device connected to a computer network using the Internet Protocol for communication. IP addresses are used to identify and locate devices on a network and are essential for internet communication.
  • DNS (Domain Name System): DNS is a naming database in which internet domain names are located and translated into IP addresses. It serves as a hierarchical system for naming computers or other resources on the internet. DNS is used to convert alphabetic references, such as domain names, into IP addresses that computers can understand and use.

In summary, IP addresses are numerical labels assigned to devices to identify them on a network, while DNS is a system that translates domain names into IP addresses, making it easier for users to access websites and other internet resources using human-readable names.

Comparative Table: IP vs DNS

Here is a table highlighting the differences between IP and DNS:

Feature IP (Internet Protocol) DNS (Domain Name System)
Purpose Assigns unique IP addresses to devices on a network for identification and communication Translates domain names into IP addresses, allowing users to access websites using human-readable names instead of numbers
Role Network identification and communication Naming and lookup system
Used for Identifying servers and devices on a network Converting domain names into IP addresses for hosting services
Example IP address: 192.168.1.1 (used for communication between devices on a network) DNS name: www.example.com (used to access a website by translating it into an IP address)

In summary, IP addresses are used to identify and communicate with devices on a network, while DNS is used to translate domain names into IP addresses for accessing websites and other resources on the internet.