Is it Your Website or the DNS? How to Identify DNS Problems

Ever typed in a website address, only to be met with a frustrating error message or a slow-loading page?  It can be hard to tell if the issue lies with the website itself, or something deeper within the internet's infrastructure. In many cases, the culprit could be a Domain Name System (DNS) problem.




Understanding DNS


Think of DNS as the internet's phonebook.  When you type a website address (like "www.example.com") into your browser,  DNS translates that human-readable name into a numerical IP address that computers can understand. This allows your browser to locate and connect to the website's server.  According to DNSFilter, DNS lookups happen billions of times every single day, making it a vital cog in the machinery of the internet.


Signs of a DNS Problem


There are a few telltale signs that you might be experiencing a DNS problem, rather than an issue with the website itself:


Slow Loading Websites

Websites may take an unusually long time to load, even if your internet connection seems stable. A study found that a one-second delay in page load time can lead to a 7% decrease in conversions, highlighting the importance of a speedy website.

Error Messages

You might encounter error messages like "server not found," "DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN," or "This site can't be reached."


Inability to Access Specific Websites

While other websites work fine, you're unable to access a particular website, regardless of the browser you use.


The Difference Between a Website Outage and a DNS Problem


If a website is experiencing technical difficulties or undergoing maintenance, it may be temporarily unavailable to everyone. This is different from a DNS problem, which typically affects your ability to access a specific website,  while other websites function normally.


How Your Web Hosting Provider Can Help


While some DNS issues might be related to your local network or internet service provider (ISP), your web hosting provider can be a valuable resource for troubleshooting. Here's how:


  1. Server Status Checks: Most web hosting providers offer tools to monitor the health and uptime of your website's server. This can help differentiate between a server outage and a DNS issue.
  2. DNS Management Tools: Many hosting providers offer control panels where you can manage your website's DNS records. This allows you to verify that your DNS settings are configured correctly and troubleshoot any potential errors.
  3. Technical Support: If you're unsure about the cause of the problem, your web hosting provider's technical support team can assist with advanced troubleshooting and help identify if the issue lies with your website's DNS configuration.


Next Steps:


If you suspect a DNS problem, there are a few basic troubleshooting steps you can try before reaching out to your web hosting provider. These include flushing your local DNS cache or changing your DNS server settings. However, if the issue persists, your web hosting provider can be a valuable partner in getting your website back online quickly and efficiently.

By understanding the signs of DNS problems and leveraging the resources offered by your web hosting provider, you can minimize downtime and ensure a smooth online experience for your website visitors.



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