Which DNS record type maps a host name to an IP address?

Which DNS record type maps a host name to an IP address?

• A. PTR Record
• B. MX Record
• C. SRV Record
• D. A Record

Answer: (D)

Mapping a host name to an IP address is what the A record in DNS does. When a client looks up a domain, the DNS system returns the IPv4 address for that host via an A record, allowing the client to connect to the server. If you’re dealing with IPv6, the equivalent is the AAAA record, but the question specifically asks about mapping to an IP address, which is accomplished by the A record. Other record types serve different purposes: a PTR record maps an IP address back to a host name (reverse DNS), an MX record designates the mail server for a domain, and an SRV record specifies the location (hostname and port) of services. So for turning a hostname into an address to reach a server, the A record is the correct choice.

Mapping a host name to an IP address is what the A record in DNS does. When a client looks up a domain, the DNS system returns the IPv4 address for that host via an A record, allowing the client to connect to the server. If you’re dealing with IPv6, the equivalent is the AAAA record, but the question specifically asks about mapping to an IP address, which is accomplished by the A record.

Other record types serve different purposes: a PTR record maps an IP address back to a host name (reverse DNS), an MX record designates the mail server for a domain, and an SRV record specifies the location (hostname and port) of services. So for turning a hostname into an address to reach a server, the A record is the correct choice.