The internet works like a massive city, with millions of houses (websites) and roads (data connections). But how do you find a specific house if all you know is the business name, not the exact address? That’s where DNS comes in. Domain Name System is the invisible system that connects your web address (like www.mybusiness.ng) to the real location (an IP address like 192.168.0.1) of your website.
Without domain name system, visiting websites would be impossible for most people. It’s what makes the internet user-friendly and functional for everyone—from school kids doing assignments to CEOs running online stores.
Without DNS:
- Your domain name won’t lead to your website.
- Emails using your domain (like [email protected]) won’t go through.
- Search engines may not be able to index your site correctly.
For Nigerian brands, especially those serving local and international clients, a reliable DNS system ensures your website is:
- Always online when customers visit.
- Quick to load, even during peak hours.
- Secure from DNS hijacking or spoofing attempts.
If your domain name system is not well configured, it’s like putting up a signboard on the wrong street. People might search for your business but never find it!
Understanding DNS
DNS stands for Domain Name System. It’s a hierarchical system that enables users to access websites using domain names instead of numerical IP addresses. When you enter a web address into your browser, Domain name system translates that address into the corresponding IP address, allowing your device to locate and connect to the desired website.
Think of domain name system as the internet’s phonebook. You don’t memorize everyone’s phone number—you save their names. Similarly, we use domain names like www.telahosting.com instead of complicated IP addresses. When you type in a domain name, domain name system takes that name and finds the exact “location” of the website. It’s that simple.
Without domain name system, you’d have to remember a set of random numbers for every website you visit. Instead, DNS handles the tough work in the background, making it easy for you to browse, shop, stream, and search online.
Components of DNS
-
Recursive Resolvers
These are your first points of contact. Think of them as your internet’s customer service agent. When you request a website, the resolver gets to work asking other servers until it finds the answer.
It’s like asking a friend for help finding a location. If they don’t know it, they’ll ask someone else who might know. The recursive server does that legwork on your behalf.
These resolvers are usually managed by:
- Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Nigeria like MTN, Glo, or Airtel
- Public DNS providers like Google (8.8.8.8), Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), and OpenDNS
How It Works
Imagine you type www.telahosting.ng in your browser:
- Your device checks if it has the IP stored in its local DNS cache.
- If not, it sends a request to the recursive resolver.
- The resolver takes charge, querying other DNS services (root, TLD, and authoritative servers) until it finds the IP address.
Example
Let’s say your customer in Abuja opens your e-commerce website, buynaija.ng. Their ISP uses a recursive resolver to handle this:
- The resolver checks its cache.
- If the cache is empty, it starts querying upward (root → TLD → authoritative).
- Once it finds the IP for buynaija.ng, it sends it to the user’s browser, which connects to your site.
Recursive resolvers speed up DNS lookups by caching previous results, reducing the time for repeat visits.
-
Root Name Servers
This is the starting point for domain name system lookups when the recursive server doesn’t know the answer. There are only 13 sets of these root servers in the world, and they know where to find information about top-level domains like .com, .ng, .org, etc. They don’t know the full IP address of every site, but they do know who might.
How It Works
When a recursive resolver doesn’t have a cached answer, it goes to a root server to ask: “Where can I find records for the .ng domain?”
The root server responds: “Ask the TLD server for .ng domains.” It then passes the resolver to the next step in the chain.
Example
You type www.nigerianbrands.ng into your browser:
- The recursive resolver contacts the root server.
- The root server identifies .ng as the TLD and directs the resolver to Nigeria’s TLD name server.
- The resolver continues down the chain.
Even though root servers are global, every DNS query on earth starts by consulting them—making them essential to how the internet functions.
-
TLD Name Servers
TLD stands for Top-Level Domain—like .com, .org, or .ng. These servers manage domain names under each TLD. If you’re looking for telahosting.ng, the TLD server for .ng will be contacted to help move the search forward. They are specialized assistants that manage a smaller group of domains and give more accurate directions.
In Nigeria, NiRA (Nigeria Internet Registration Association) manages the .ng TLD infrastructure, ensuring Nigerian domains are accessible globally.
How It Works
After the root server tells the resolver which TLD server to go to, the resolver queries the TLD server.
The TLD server then says: “For this domain name, go ask this authoritative server.” It essentially points the resolver toward the server that holds the actual DNS records (A, MX, CNAME, etc.).
Example
For the domain www.adebakery.com.ng, here’s what happens:
- The root server sends the resolver to the .ng TLD server.
- The .ng TLD server then forwards the resolver to the authoritative DNS server managing adebakery.com.ng.
- The resolver retrieves the A record (IP) and returns it to the browser.
TLD servers are crucial because they organize the global domain structure, ensuring a clear hierarchy for resolving domain names.
-
Authoritative Name Servers
These are the final stop. They contain the actual record for the domain name you’re looking for. So if you’re visiting telahosting.ng, the authoritative name server for that domain will respond with its IP address. This is the server that truly “knows the answer” because it’s the official source.
Authoritative servers that host your domain’s zone file, includes:
- A and AAAA records
- CNAMEs
- MX records
- TXT records
- NS, SOA, SRV, and others
When you manage DNS in your telaHosting dashboard, you’re interacting directly with the authoritative DNS for your domain.
How It Works
Once the TLD server sends the resolver to your domain’s authoritative server:
- The resolver asks: “What’s the IP address for www.mybrand.ng?”
- The authoritative server replies: “It’s 102.130.120.70.”
- The resolver delivers this IP to your browser.
At this point, the DNS resolution is complete, and your browser can load the site.
Example
You own a Lagos-based business, and your website is www.naijasupply.ng. You’ve hosted your site with telaHosting, which acts as your authoritative DNS server.
When someone tries to access your site:
- The resolver ends its search at telaHosting’s authoritative server.
- telaHosting provides the necessary IP address.
- The user is connected to your website.
DNS Records
DNS records are essential components that provide information about a domain. Domain name system records tell your domain what to do and where to point. Each record type plays a specific role:
-
- A Record (Address Record): Points your domain name to an IP address. It’s what connects your name to your website.
- MX Record (Mail Exchange): Tells email systems where to deliver emails sent to your domain.
- CNAME Record (Canonical Name): Allows one domain to redirect to another. Useful for things like using “www” with your domain.
- TXT Record: Stores text data. Often used for security, like verifying domain ownership.
DNS records are like the control panel for your domain. Mess them up, and your website or email might stop working. But get them right, and everything flows smoothly.
DNS Caching
Every time your device looks up a domain, it remembers the result for a while—this is caching. Instead of repeating the full process every time, your computer, browser, or even ISP saves the IP address temporarily.
This improves speed, reduces load on domain name system servers, and helps websites load faster. But sometimes, caching can also show old or outdated data—especially if you’ve made recent changes to your domain name system. That’s why sometimes, clearing your DNS cache or waiting for it to refresh helps solve website access issues.
To improve efficiency, DNS responses are cached:
- Local Caching: Your device stores domain name system information temporarily.
- Resolver Caching: Resolvers cache responses to reduce load times.
- Potential Issues: Cached data can become outdated, leading to access problems. Flushing the domain name system cache can resolve these issues.
DNS Propagation
Let’s say you just moved your website to a new host and updated your DNS records. But your friend says your site is still down. What’s happening?
That’s domain name system propagation—the time it takes for domain name system changes to be recognized by servers worldwide. It can take a few minutes to 48 hours.
Factors that affect propagation include:
- Time-to-Live (TTL) settings
- How often your ISP updates DNS caches
- Where users are located
Be patient, and avoid changing DNS records repeatedly. With a reliable host like telaHosting, propagation is smooth and secure.
How DNS Connects Domain Names to Websites
Let’s go step-by-step and see how DNS connects the domain name to websites:
- User Request: You type a domain name into your browser. Let’s say you type www.telahosting.ng into your browser.
- Local Cache Check: Your computer checks its local domain name system cache for the IP address.
- The DNS Lookup Begins: Your device doesn’t automatically know where “telahosting.ng” lives, so it starts asking around—kind of like asking for directions.
- Recursive Resolver Query: If not found locally, the request is sent to a recursive DNS resolver. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) has something called a domain name system resolver. This is like the guy who knows someone who knows someone. He starts asking bigger servers to help find the website.
- Root Server Query: The resolver queries a root name server to find the TLD server. This server points the resolver to the right direction—telling it where to find information about “.ng” domains.
- TLD Server Query: The TLD server directs the resolver to the authoritative name server. This server handles Nigerian domains and directs the resolver to the specific address for “telahosting.ng.”
- Authoritative Server Response: The authoritative server provides the IP address. This is the final stop. It holds the exact IP address of “telahosting.ng” and hands it over to your browser.
- Website Access: Your browser uses the IP address to access the website.
Importance of DNS in Website Accessibility
When we talk about website accessibility, we often think of design, mobile responsiveness, or loading speed. But there’s something far more fundamental—Domain Name System. Without a properly configured domain name system, your website simply cannot be accessed, no matter how beautiful, fast, or functional it is.
DNS is the bridge between users and your website. It ensures that when someone types www.yourbusiness.ng, they are seamlessly connected to your server where your site is hosted.
Let’s break this down so you understand exactly how critical domain name system is to keeping your website accessible to your customers.
-
DNS Translates Names into IP Addresses
Every website lives on a server that has a unique IP address, like 102.130.120.70. But people don’t remember numbers—they remember names like www.naijatechhub.ng.
That’s where domain name system comes in:
- It translates the domain name into the correct IP address.
- Without domain name system, browsers would have no idea where to find your website.
If domain name system fails or is misconfigured, your domain will not resolve—leading to “This site can’t be reached” errors for your users.
-
DNS Ensures Consistent Website Availability
Imagine you’ve launched a clothing brand in Lagos and run all your promotions through www.adefashion.ng. You’re running ads on Instagram, and customers are excited to visit your online store.
But due to incorrect or expired DNS records:
- The website doesn’t load.
- Customers lose trust.
- You lose sales.
Even a few minutes of domain name system outage can cost your business money and reputation. That’s why domain name system reliability is directly linked to uptime. With telaHosting, you get a robust domain name system infrastructure that keeps your site up and running around the clock.
-
DNS Allows for Scalability and Flexibility
DNS isn’t just about making your homepage accessible. It also helps you:
- Route traffic to different parts of your site.
- Point subdomains to external services (e.g., blog, store, app).
- Manage multiple hosting platforms seamlessly.
Let’s say:
- Your main site is on telaHosting.
- Your blog is on WordPress.
- Your store is on Shopify.
With domain name system, you can easily configure:
- blog.adefashion.ng → WordPress
- shop.adefashion.ng → Shopify
All while keeping your brand under one domain umbrella. That’s the flexibility domain name system offers, without which your website would be rigid and limited.
-
DNS Powers Email and Other Web Services
Many people forget that domain name system also handles email delivery. If your MX (Mail Exchange) records aren’t set correctly:
- Your professional email like [email protected] won’t work.
- You’ll miss client inquiries and business opportunities.
DNS also supports:
- Verification for tools like Google Workspace and Facebook Ads.
- API connections with third-party platforms.
- Load balancing and CDNs for faster content delivery.
So when we talk about website accessibility, it goes beyond just the homepage. Domain name system makes sure every connected part of your online business ecosystem works smoothly.
-
DNS Enhances User Experience
Quick question—what happens if a customer in Abuja clicks your link and the page doesn’t load? They bounce. Maybe forever.
DNS plays a huge role in:
- Page load time (especially when cached properly).
- Faster global access through geo-distributed domain name system servers.
- Smooth redirects when you change domain structures.
A well-optimized domain name system setup with low TTL values and accurate records reduces latency and boosts speed—making your site more enjoyable to browse.
-
DNS Supports Security and Trust
Security is a part of accessibility too. If your DNS is hijacked, your visitors could be redirected to fake or malicious sites, damaging your brand’s trust.
Proper domain name system configuration:
- Uses DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) to prevent tampering.
- Implements SPF, DKIM, and DMARC through TXT records to secure your email domain.
- Ensures customers always land on the correct, verified website.
Especially in Nigeria, where phishing scams are a serious threat, secure domain name system ensures authenticity and brand protection.
-
DNS Makes Domain Redirection and Migration Seamless
Switching web hosts or platforms? Domain name system makes the transition invisible to users. You simply update your A record or CNAME to point to the new server, and within a few hours:
- Visitors still use the same domain.
- Emails still arrive.
- SEO rankings remain intact.
No downtime. No broken links. Just a clean, professional switch.
DNS Security
DNS might seem invisible, but it’s actually a prime target for cybercriminals. That’s why domain name system security is not just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a must-have. When domain name system is compromised, users can be redirected to fake websites, emails can be intercepted, and sensitive data can be stolen without anyone noticing immediately.
Common DNS Threats:
- DNS Spoofing (or Cache Poisoning): This is when attackers trick your domain name system server into pointing to a fake IP address. Imagine typing your bank’s website but ending up on a look alike page set up to steal your info!
- DDoS Attacks on DNS Servers: Hackers flood domain name system servers with massive traffic, causing websites to go offline. If your domain name system provider isn’t protected, your website can vanish from the web temporarily.
- DNS Hijacking: Malicious actors take control of your DNS settings—changing your domain’s destination and potentially stealing traffic or spreading malware.
How You Can Stay Safe with DNS:
- Use a Trusted Hosting Provider: We use secure domain name system management systems and regular monitoring to catch issues early.
- Enable DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions): This adds an extra layer of authentication to make sure the domain name system info is legit.
- Monitor Changes and Logs: Always keep an eye on domain name system changes. If something looks fishy, take action fast.
- Use Strong Login Credentials: Your domain registrar and hosting accounts should have strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
For Nigerian businesses, a security breach can erode trust quickly. With telaHosting, we prioritize domain name system security so your brand stays protected and your visitors stay safe.
Choosing a DNS Provider
Not all domain name system providers are created equal. Some are fast but insecure. Others are cheap but unreliable. So how do you choose the right one? Here’s what to look for when picking a domain name system provider—especially if you’re based in Nigeria:
- Speed & Reliability: Slow domain name system resolution can delay how fast your website loads. And if the server goes down, your site disappears with it. telaHosting uses high-speed servers optimized for the Nigerian market, so your site loads quickly—even on mobile networks.
- Local Expertise: Foreign providers may not understand the unique internet challenges in Nigeria. Local providers offers local knowledge, support in real-time zones, and tailored services.
- Security Features: Always choose a provider that offers DNSSEC, monitoring, and redundancy. We’ve built all of that into our domain name system infrastructure.
- Easy-to-Use Tools: Choose a provider that provides simple dashboards where you can manage your DNS settings easily—even if you’re not a techie.
- Customer Support: When something goes wrong, you don’t want to wait 12 hours for a reply. At telaHosting, we offer fast, friendly customer support via chat, call, or email—right here in Nigeria.
Troubleshooting DNS Issues: When Things Don’t Work
DNS works silently in the background… until it doesn’t. If your website suddenly stops loading, or your email isn’t working, it could be a domain name system issue. But don’t worry—most of the problems are fixable if you know what to look for.
Common Problems and Fixes:
- Website Not Loading?
Could be incorrect A records or domain name system not pointing to the right IP. So, check your DNS records or contact your hosting provider for quick fixes.
- Emails Not Going Through?
Possibly an issue with your MX records or SPF settings. You can double-check your mail server records or let our team help.
- Recent Changes Not Showing Up?
Likely due to DNS propagation delay. The best way it to wait it out (up to 48 hours) or clear your DNS cache.
- Visitors Reporting “Page Not Found”?
Might be a domain name system configuration or domain expiry issue. So, ensure your domain is active and correctly linked.
Helpful Tools for Troubleshooting:
- nslookup or Google dig: Find out the current DNS records.
- DNS Checker: See if domain name system changes have propagated globally.
At telaHosting, we’re not just here to sell you a domain—we’re here to make sure your entire online presence works 24/7. And our domain name system support is one call or chat away.
How we Helps You Master DNS Without Stress
Now, here’s the best part: you don’t need to be a tech guru to manage DNS. telaHosting makes it simple for anyone—whether you’re a startup founder, or a blogger. Here’s what you get with telaHosting’s domain name system management:
- Beginner-Friendly Control Panel: We know DNS terms can sound complicated, so we simplified it. You get a dashboard where you can:
- Add or update DNS records with just a few clicks.
- View domain name system status in real-time.
- Set up email, subdomains, and redirections easily.
- Expert Guidance and Support: Have a problem or question? Our support team speaks your language—literally and technically. Whether you’re trying to connect your website to your domain or figuring out domain name system for email, we’re here to walk you through it.
- Speed and Uptime: Our DNS servers are optimized for Nigerian businesses. That means faster website loading, minimal downtime, and a better experience for your customers.
- Domain and DNS Bundle: When you register a domain with telaHosting, domain name system services are included. That’s one less thing to worry about.
- Security as a Priority: We use DNSSEC and other best practices to protect your website from hackers and redirect scams.
Real-Life Examples: How DNS Works for Everyday Nigerians
- Chinedu’s Online Store: Chinedu sells Ankara fabrics and registered chinedufabrics.ng. With DNS set up via telaHosting, visitors typing in the domain are directed to his e-commerce store without delay.
- Ngozi’s School Website: Ngozi manages her school’s website. She wanted emails like [email protected] to work. we at telaHosting helped her configure the correct MX records using domain name system, making sure all school emails get delivered.
- Yusuf’s Blog: Yusuf changed his hosting provider and needed to point his domain to the new server. With domain name system propagation, it took a few hours, but his site was live again with no lost traffic—thanks to proper domain name system handling.
Conclusion
If the internet were a giant city, DNS would be your GPS. It makes sure users are led to the right destination that is your website. Without it, you’re essentially invisible online.
As a business, blogger, freelancer, or creative in Nigeria, you owe it to yourself to understand how domain name system works. You don’t need to be an expert—just partner with a hosting company that cares. That’s where we shines.
We keep it simple. We keep it local. And we keep it human.
