Recursive Resolver
A DNS server that chases queries through the full hierarchy (root, TLD, authoritative) on behalf of clients and caches the answers.
A recursive resolver is the workhorse of DNS. When a client asks for `www.example.com`, the resolver does the legwork: query a root server for `.com` referrals, query a .com server for `example.com` referrals, query example.com's authoritative server for `www`, then return the answer and cache it. Public recursive resolvers (1.1.1.1, 8.8.8.8, 9.9.9.9) handle billions of queries a day. Most ISPs run their own. The recursive resolver is also where DNSSEC validation, QNAME minimization, response-policy zones, and DoH/DoT endpoints live.
Related terms
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Referenced on
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