Discover the DNS Journey
Visualize the step-by-step journey of a domain from Root DNS servers to the target IP address
DNS Trace
Visualize the path a domain takes from Root servers to Authoritative servers
DNS Record Lookup
Query all DNS records for a domain
🔍 DNS Tools
Analyze and diagnose DNS configuration, records, and performance
How DNS Works
Root Servers
At the top of the DNS hierarchy, 13 root server groups are distributed worldwide. They direct queries to TLD servers.
TLD Servers
Top-Level Domain servers (.com, .org, .net, etc.) hold information about authoritative servers for domains under their extension.
Authoritative Servers
Each domain has its own authoritative nameservers that hold the actual DNS records (A, MX, TXT, etc.).
A Record
Address Record - Maps a domain name to an IPv4 address. The most fundamental DNS record type.
MX Record
Mail Exchange - Defines mail servers for the domain. Priority values determine which server is tried first.
CNAME Record
Canonical Name - Creates an alias pointing to another domain name. Useful for subdomains.