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Domain Name Resolution

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Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1

In order for users to reach your site on an intranet or the Internet, you must have a unique IP address that identifies your computer on the network. This address takes the form of a string of four numbers separated by periods (for example, 192.168.1.42). Because a numeric address is difficult for people to remember, text names, or domain names, are used (for example, www.example.com). Before a user can type a domain name into a Web browser and access a Web page, the name has to be assigned to a corresponding IP address. The process of translating a domain name to an IP address is called name resolution.

Procedures

To make your site available from the Internet

  1. Establish a connection to the Internet. Lease a line from an Internet Service Provider (ISP) or a telephone company. Your provider installs a cable at your site that is plugged into the network adapter card in your computer. Usually a router is also installed between your computer and the ISP. When shopping for a provider, be sure to ask what type of connection is provided and whether the provider guarantees a minimum bandwidth. Also, check on the type of security offered.

  2. Obtain an IP address. Your ISP gives you an IP address, an Internet gateway (default gateway), and a subnet mask.

  3. Verify your computer's network identity. To verify your IP address, at the command prompt, type ipconfig, and then press ENTER. Your current IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway are displayed.

    To verify your computer's name, right-click the My Computer icon on your desktop, and click Properties. The Network Identification tab shows your computer name.

  4. Register a domain name. Many ISPs can register your domain name for you, or you can register it yourself. There are domain name registrars located around the world, available for the registration of domain names under many top-level domains (such as .com, .net, .org, as well as country/region code domains such as .us for the United States and .uk for the United Kingdom). These registrars charge a yearly fee to register and maintain your domain name. This fee varies from registrar to registrar, as do the services available. Your domain may be hosted by your ISP, the registrar you choose, or advanced users may choose to host it themselves.