Which server is considered the final step in the DNS resolution process?

The authoritative name server is regarded as the final step in the DNS resolution process because it is responsible for providing the definitive answer to a domain name query. Once a recursive resolver has performed its task of querying the root servers and the TLD servers to gather information, it eventually reaches the authoritative name server associated with the queried domain. This server contains the actual DNS records, which provide the specific IP address tied to the domain name in question.

When a user requests a domain, the resolver starts by querying the root server, which directs it to the appropriate TLD server based on the domain's extension (such as .com, .net, etc.). The TLD server then points the resolver to the authoritative name server that holds the DNS records for that domain. When the resolver contacts the authoritative name server, it retrieves the final resolution that translates the domain name into an IP address, completing the DNS resolution process.

In summary, the authoritative name server is essential as it holds the definitive answers to DNS queries, making it a critical component in resolving domain names to their corresponding IP addresses.