Which of the following best describes the function of DNS?

The function of DNS, or Domain Name System, is fundamentally to convert domain names into IP addresses. This process is crucial because humans tend to remember names much more easily than numerical IP addresses. When you type a web address into your browser, a DNS resolver takes that domain name and queries DNS servers to find the corresponding IP address. Once the IP address is obtained, your browser can then establish a connection to the server hosting the website.

Through this conversion process, DNS enables users to navigate the internet efficiently without needing to memorize complex numerical addresses. The reliability and speed of this resolution process are key to how effectively computers communicate over the internet.

Options that focus on assigning IP addresses, managing network traffic, or providing wireless connectivity do not accurately capture the primary role of DNS in network architecture. While DNS plays a critical role in internet navigation and functionality, it does not directly assign IP addresses or manage traffic; those tasks typically fall under the domain of network routing and configuration. Additionally, providing wireless connectivity is a function associated with networking hardware and protocols, rather than the DNS itself.