What is the process of translating a fully qualified domain name (FQDN) to its IP address called?

The process of translating a fully qualified domain name (FQDN) into its associated IP address is known as name resolution. This is a fundamental operation in networking, as domain names are much easier for users to remember than numerical IP addresses.

When a user enters a domain name in a web browser, a system query is triggered to find the corresponding IP address, allowing the user's machine to communicate with the server hosting the website. This translation is typically handled by the Domain Name System (DNS), which acts like a directory that maps domain names to IP addresses within its records.

Terms such as address mapping and DNS routing may sound related, but they do not specifically define the translation process. Address mapping can refer to various forms of mapping addresses in networking, and DNS routing does not accurately represent the conversion of names to addresses as it suggests a more complex routing process rather than the basic name resolution function. Domain query, while a part of the overall DNS resolving process, does not capture the complete concept of translating the name to an address. Thus, name resolution is the precise term that describes this essential function in networking.