Description: Address mapping is the process of associating a domain name with an IP address. This process is fundamental to the functionality of the Internet, as it allows users to access websites using easy-to-remember names instead of having to recall complex numerical sequences. The Domain Name System (DNS) acts as a sort of telephone directory for the Internet, translating domain names into IP addresses that computers use to communicate with each other. Address mapping not only facilitates web browsing but is also essential for the functioning of emails and other online services. Without address mapping, the user experience on the Internet would be significantly more complicated and less accessible, as each user would have to know the exact IP address of every site they wish to visit. This process is dynamic and can change over time, allowing the same domain name to point to different IP addresses depending on server configuration or traffic load, which also contributes to the resilience and scalability of online services.
History: The Domain Name System (DNS) was introduced in 1983 by Paul Mockapetris, who developed the first DNS protocol. Before this, users had to maintain a hosts.txt file containing IP addresses and server names, which became impractical as the network grew. The implementation of DNS allowed for a hierarchical and decentralized structure that facilitated the expansion of the Internet.
Uses: Address mapping is primarily used to facilitate web browsing, allowing users to access sites using domain names instead of IP addresses. It is also crucial for the functioning of email services, web applications, and other online services that rely on name resolution.
Examples: A practical example of address mapping is when a user types ‘www.example.com’ into their browser. The DNS system translates this domain name to an IP address, such as ‘192.0.2.1’, allowing the browser to connect to the corresponding server and display the website. Another example is the use of subdomains, such as ‘mail.example.com’, which can point to a different IP address for managing email.
