What is a Nameserver?

Nameservers in the DNS System

A name server is an element of the domain name system (known as DNS) that converts a website’s domain name into an IP address using a numerical database.

This term can be assigned to any server using DNS software, as well as to the server of a host managing the domain names of its clients.

Since name servers connect domain names to IP addresses, this configuration avoids users having to memorize a series of numbers in order to access a website.

When a user searches for a domain name, their browser sends a request to the DNS system to find the respective name server. This name server will then point to the server hosting the site.

When migrating to a new hosting provider, website owners must change the configuration of their name server to point to the new hosting.

A name server must also be modified when installing a Web Application Firewall (WAF). You can do this by editing the website’s DNS records through your web host or domain registrar.

Updated on: 22/03/2023