What does DNS map to find the corresponding address?

The correct answer is that DNS maps a domain name to an IP address. The Domain Name System (DNS) plays a critical role in the functioning of the internet by providing a hierarchical naming system for devices connected to the network. It allows users to access websites using human-readable domain names (like www.example.com) rather than having to remember numerical IP addresses (such as 192.0.2.1).

When a user enters a domain name into their web browser, the DNS processes that name by querying various DNS servers to find the corresponding IP address associated with it. This process allows the browser to connect to the desired server effectively, allowing the user to access the correct website.

Understanding this mapping is fundamental as it underlies many aspects of networking and web services, including how websites are located and how information is retrieved over the internet. This mapping helps simplify the user experience and facilitates easier navigation on the web.