What role does DNS play in a network?

DNS, or Domain Name System, plays a critical role in network communications by resolving hostnames to IP addresses. When a user types a website address (hostname) into a browser, DNS translates that friendly name into the numerical IP address that computers use to identify each other on the network. This process allows users to access websites and online services without needing to memorize complex numeric addresses.

The function of DNS is paramount because it simplifies the user experience, facilitating ease of navigation on the internet and within local networks. When a browser sends a request for a specific hostname, it queries a DNS server, which responds with the corresponding IP address. This resolution enables the browser to initiate a connection to the web server hosting the requested content.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the main role of DNS. While IP addresses are crucial for identifying devices, DNS does not directly provide these addresses; rather, it resolves the hostnames to these numbers. Managing email routing pertains to Mail Exchange (MX) records within DNS, but it is not the primary function of DNS itself. Lastly, encryption of network traffic is handled by different protocols and technologies, such as SSL/TLS, not DNS.