In which order does the Recursive Resolver perform DNS query resolution?

The order of DNS query resolution performed by a Recursive Resolver is crucial for understanding how domain names are resolved to IP addresses. The process begins with the Recursive Resolver querying the Root Server, which provides information about the top-level domain (TLD) servers associated with the requested domain.

After obtaining the address of the relevant TLD Server from the Root Server, the Recursive Resolver sends a query to the TLD Server. The TLD Server knows which Authoritative Servers are responsible for the particular domain in question.

Finally, the Recursive Resolver queries the Authoritative Server to retrieve the actual IP address of the domain. This sequence—Root Server followed by TLD Server and then the Authoritative Server—ensures that the resolver works its way down the hierarchy of DNS servers to reach the final answer for the requested domain.

This structured approach allows for efficient resolution even for domains that may not be frequently accessed, as it systematically narrows down the search through the DNS hierarchy.