DNS and DHCP – What's the Difference? – GreenCloud

In the world of networking and Internet technology, terms like Domain Name System (DNS) and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) are often thrown around. Although both play an important role in the proper functioning of networks, they serve different purposes; so it is very important to learn the difference between DNS and DHCP at this age.

What is DNS – Domain Name System?

Simply put, the Domain Name System (DNS) is the internet's phone book. A website is a system that converts domain names (host names) into numerical values ​​(IP addresses) so they can be found and loaded into your web browser.

This happens because machines don't understand site names like we do. A website written like greencloudvps.com is a way for us humans to remember web pages so that the servers that host them refer to them as numbers.

It runs in the background and is not something that the average internet user will be too concerned about. But without it, your browser won't know where to direct your web page request, and finding the information you need will be a more difficult process.

What is Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)?

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a network management protocol used to automate the process of configuring devices on IP networks, thus allowing them to use network services such as DNS, NTP, and any communication protocol based on UDP or TCP. A DHCP server dynamically assigns an IP address and other network configuration parameters to each device on the network so that it can communicate with other IP networks. DHCP is an improvement over an older protocol called BOOTP. DHCP is an important part of the DDI solution (DNS–DHCP–IPAM).

DHCP vs DNS: What are their differences?

Functionality

In networking, functionality refers to the specific tasks and capabilities that a network component or protocol performs. Some of the differences between DNS and DHCP based on their respective functions are:

DNS primarily deals with resolving domain names to IP addresses. It converts user-friendly domain names into digital IP addresses, making accessing websites and services on the Internet much easier. In fact, it makes Internet resources more accessible by allowing users to use domain names instead of remembering complex IP addresses.

DHCP focuses on automating the allocation of network resources, primarily IP addresses and related configuration parameters. When a device joins a network, DHCP dynamically assigns it an IP address, allowing devices to connect and communicate without requiring manual configuration.

Purpose

The purpose of DNS is to translate domain names into IP addresses. When a user types a domain name into a web browser, DNS translates the domain name into an IP address so that the user's device can connect to the appropriate web server. Moreover, DNS is critical to the functioning of the Internet. Why? Because it allows users to access websites and other resources using human-readable domain names rather than IP addresses.

In contrast, DHCP is used to automatically assign IP addresses and other network configuration settings to devices on a network. When a device connects to a network, DHCP assigns the device an IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and other configuration options. Also, DHCP simplifies network management by eliminating the need for administrators to manually configure each device on the network. In addition, DHCP also ensures that devices are assigned unique IP addresses, which are required for proper network operation.

DHCP vs DNS: Operation

In a network, an operation describes how a component or protocol works in practice. The differences between DHCP and DNS operations are as follows:

DNS operates at the application layer of the OSI model, translating domain names into IP addresses when requested by applications or devices. It does not assign IP addresses, it simply resolves domain names to IP addresses.

DHCP operates at the network layer of the OSI model, providing IP address allocation and configuration services to devices during the network initialization process. It actively assigns IP addresses and manages their use.

Caching Differences

On the one hand, DNS uses caching to speed up domain name resolution. When a DNS client resolves a domain name, the result is cached. If the same domain name is requested again, the client uses the cached information to quickly resolve the domain name without making another query to the DNS server. This helps reduce the amount of traffic on your network and speed up domain name resolution.

The main thing is that DHCP, caching is not used at all. It is used to assign IP addresses and other network configuration information to devices on the network. When a device requests an IP address from a DHCP server, the DHCP server assigns the IP address and other network configuration information to the device. This information is usually not cached and must be obtained from the DHCP server when needed.

Statehood

In networking, statefulness refers to whether a protocol or component retains information over time. The differences between DHCP and DNS status are as follows:

DNS is stateless, meaning it does not store any information about previously resolved domain names. Each DNS query is independent and the server responds based on its current knowledge.

DHCP is stateful because it keeps track of IP address leases and network configurations. This ensures that IP addresses are not allocated to multiple devices at the same time and that network settings are consistent.

DHCP vs DNS: Resource Type

In a network, a resource type refers to specific data types or parameters controlled by a protocol or component. The differences between the resource type usage of DHCP and DNS are as follows:

DNS primarily deals with domain name records (A records, CNAME records, etc.) and their associated IP addresses. Resolves domain names to IP addresses and vice versa.

DHCP deals with the lease of IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, DNS server addresses, and other network configuration settings. Allocates and manages these resources for devices on the network.

Scalability

In networking, scalability refers to the ability of a component or protocol to adapt to different network sizes and requirements. The differences between DHCP and DNS are as follows:

DNS servers are usually organized hierarchically, with a small number of root servers at the top and more distributed servers below them. This hierarchical structure allows DNS to scale effectively.

DHCP servers are usually located within a local network or subnet. Scalability depends on the size of the network and the number of devices that require IP addresses. Larger networks may require multiple servers for redundancy and load balancing.

DNS vs DHCP: Which is better?

If you are looking for a simple and efficient way to manage IP addresses, DHCP may be a better choice. However, if you need more control over your network or want to implement advanced features, DNS may be a better choice. Finally, it's important to consider your specific needs before making a decision.

The result

As you can see, the purpose of both is very different, but both are very useful for us humans. There is no competition between DNS and DHCP. The Internet is a complicated place, but technologies like DNS and DHCP make it easy for us. We hope that after reading this article, you will understand a little better.