On the Internet, the Wikipedia:Domain Name System Domain Name System (DNS) stores and associates many types of information with domain names; most importantly, it translates domain names (computer hostnames) to IP addresses. It also lists mail exchange servers accepting e-mail for each domain. In providing a worldwide keyword-based redirection service, DNS is an essential component of contemporary Internet use.
The DNS is managed by an internationally sanctioned (although primarily US controlled) body called the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).