You may have heard of DNS cache as a website owner or regular internet user. But do you know what it is and how it affects your online activities? In this blog post, we will dive into the world of DNS cache, explaining what it means, how it works, and why it’s essential.

What is DNS Cache?

DNS stands for Domain Name System, which is responsible for converting human-readable domain names into IP addresses that computers can understand. Every time you visit a website, your device sends a DNS query to a DNS resolver, which then provides the IP address of the website’s server. DNS cache, therefore, refers to the temporary storage of this information on your device, making it quicker to access the same website again in the future.

Why DNS Cache Matters?

The DNS cache is an essential part of the internet infrastructure, as it helps reduce the load on DNS servers and speeds up web browsing for users. Without a it, every website you visit would require a DNS lookup, which would slow down the browsing experience significantly. However, the cache is not infallible and can sometimes cause problems if not managed correctly.

Issues

One issue with the DNS cache is that it can become outdated or stale. When a website changes its IP address, the cache still holds the old address until the cache entry expires or is flushed. This can lead to connection issues or the inability to access the website altogether. To resolve this issue, you can clear your DNS cache manually or wait for it to expire naturally.

Another issue with a DNS cache is that it can be poisoned or hijacked by malicious actors. DNS poisoning is a technique attackers use to redirect users to a fake website or steal sensitive information. To prevent this attack, it’s essential to keep it up to date and secure.

How to Manage it?

Managing it is relatively easy, and there are a few things you can do to ensure it’s working correctly:

• Clear your DNS cache regularly: This can be done by typing “ipconfig /flushdns” in the command prompt on Windows or “sudo dscacheutil -flushcache” on macOS.
• Increase the cache size: By default, the DNS cache size on Windows is limited to 100 entries. You can increase the size of the cache to store more entries by modifying the registry.
• Use a secure DNS server: Using a reputable DNS server that implements DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) can help prevent DNS poisoning and other DNS-related attacks.

Conclusion

In summary, the DNS cache is a temporary storage that stores DNS lookup results to speed up web browsing. While it’s an essential part of the internet infrastructure, it can cause issues if not managed correctly. By understanding how it works and implementing best practices, you can ensure a faster and more secure browsing experience.