GlossaryNetworkingBeginner

DNS (Domain Name System)

DNS is the internet's phonebook — it translates human-readable domain names like example.com into the numeric IP addresses computers use to connect.

Last updated May 28, 2026

Definition

The Domain Name System (DNS) translates human-friendly domain names (such as proxyhorizon.com) into the IP addresses computers use to locate each other. Every time you visit a site, your device performs a DNS lookup to resolve the name to an address before connecting.

Why DNS matters for privacy

Because DNS queries reveal which sites you visit, they can leak your activity even when other traffic is protected. A DNS leak happens when queries bypass your VPN or proxy and go to your ISP's resolver. Encrypted DNS (DoH/DoT) and VPNs that route DNS through their own resolvers mitigate this.

Examples

1

Resolving example.com to 93.184.216.34 before the page loads

2

Using 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8 as a public DNS resolver

Common Use Cases

Resolving domain names to IP addresses
DNS-based load distribution and geo-routing
Diagnosing connectivity and leak issues

Frequently Asked Questions

A DNS leak occurs when your DNS queries are sent outside your VPN or proxy tunnel, exposing which sites you visit to your ISP.
Yes. DNS-based geo-routing can direct you to region-specific servers, and your resolver's location can influence localized content.

Keep Learning

All terms

SSL/TLS

SSL/TLS is the encryption protocol that secures data in transit on the web — the 'S' in HTTPS — protecting it from eavesdropping and tampering.

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VPN

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts all of your device's internet traffic and routes it through a remote server, hiding your IP and protecting data on untrusted networks.

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WebRTC Leak

A WebRTC leak exposes your real IP address through the browser's built-in real-time communication feature — even when you are using a VPN or proxy.

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