Quick Answer
The answer is that a DNS server resolves domain names to IP addresses. This is correct because the Domain Name System functions as the internet’s phonebook, translating human-readable names like www.example.com into the numeric IP addresses, such as 192.0.2.1, that computers use to locate and communicate with each other. Without this resolution process, network applications would fail, as they rely on IP addresses to establish connections. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this concept tests your understanding of basic network services, often appearing in questions that contrast DNS with DHCP or gateways—a common trap is confusing name resolution with IP address assignment. Remember the mnemonic: DNS Does Name Stuff, turning words into numbers for network connections.
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which of the following best describes the function of a DNS server?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Hosts web pages
Why wrong: That is a web server.
Forwards traffic between networks
Why wrong: That is a router.
Resolves domain names to IP addresses
DNS performs name resolution.
Assigns IP addresses to devices
Why wrong: That is DHCP.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Resolves domain names to IP addresses
A DNS (Domain Name System) server translates human-readable domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into machine-readable IP addresses (e.g., 192.0.2.1). This resolution process is fundamental to network communication, as applications rely on IP addresses to locate and connect to servers. Without DNS, users would need to memorize numeric IP addresses for every website or service.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Hosts web pages
Why it's wrong here
That is a web server.
Forwards traffic between networks
Why it's wrong here
That is a router.
Resolves domain names to IP addresses
Why this is correct
DNS performs name resolution.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Assigns IP addresses to devices
Why it's wrong here
That is DHCP.
Common exam traps
CompTIA often tests the distinction between DNS and DHCP, as candidates frequently confuse 'resolving names' with 'assigning addresses' — both are critical network services but serve entirely different purposes.
Detailed technical explanation
DNS resolution typically involves a recursive query process: the client queries a recursive resolver, which then queries root, TLD, and authoritative name servers in sequence. DNS uses UDP port 53 for standard queries and TCP port 53 for zone transfers or responses exceeding 512 bytes (per RFC 1035). A common real-world scenario is DNS caching, where resolvers store recent lookups to reduce latency and network load.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the FC0-U61 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Infrastructure — This question tests Infrastructure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Resolves domain names to IP addresses — A DNS (Domain Name System) server translates human-readable domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into machine-readable IP addresses (e.g., 192.0.2.1). This resolution process is fundamental to network communication, as applications rely on IP addresses to locate and connect to servers. Without DNS, users would need to memorize numeric IP addresses for every website or service.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This FC0-U61 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the FC0-U61 exam.
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