Which protocol is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses?

The Domain Name System (DNS) is the protocol responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses. When a user types a web address into a browser, the DNS is queried to find the corresponding IP address for that domain. This process is essential because while humans prefer to use easily memorable domain names, computers require numeric IP addresses to locate and communicate with each other over the internet.

DNS operates as a distributed and hierarchical naming system, ensuring that the process of translation is efficient and scalable across the vast network of the internet. This system allows users to access websites using simple names rather than having to remember complex numerical IP addresses.

The other options have different functions. Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is used for transferring data on the web. Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) assigns IP addresses dynamically to devices on a network but does not perform name resolution. An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is a service that provides access to the internet, but it does not translate domain names into IP addresses directly.