Retired

This document has been retired.

Introduction to Domain Name Service (DNS)

Domain Name Service, often referred to as DNS, performs a mapping between names and ip addresses for machines using the TCP/IP protocol.

All TCP/IP machines have an individual address, or ip number, such as 150.203.2.15, or 203.10.76.34. This address is used when your computer contacts another computer which is also using TCP/IP. Because these numbers are difficult for humans to remember each machine also has an individual name, such as 'leonard.anu.edu.au' or 'supreme.pcug.org.au'. Domain Name Service is the method used to match up names to the correct ip number.

Computers on the ANU campus will normally be configured by the local IT support to automatically use DNS.

The Australian National University uses the domain name "anu.edu.au" Hosts in the ANU campus have an IP address in one of the following blocks: