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Basic Tutorial

Understand network basics through vivid metaphors

📚 Reading Guide

To make network knowledge easier to understand, this tutorial will use a lot of metaphors and analogies from everyday life. Our goal is to make it easy for everyone to grasp the basics of networking, regardless of technical background. While these metaphors may not be precise, they will help you quickly establish a basic understanding of network concepts.

Introduction to Network Basics

In this tutorial, we will explain the basics of networking through vivid metaphors and analogies. Our goal is to make it easy for everyone to grasp these concepts, regardless of technical background. While these metaphors may not be precise, they will help you quickly establish a basic understanding of network concepts.

Unlike rigorous technical terms, this section will use a lot of colloquial expressions to help non-professionals understand the basic concepts of networking.

We will use a lot of appropriate or inappropriate metaphors and analogies with the aim of helping readers quickly understand the basic concepts of networking.

1 - What is DNS

DNS (Domain Name System) is one of the infrastructures of the internet. This article introduces the basic concepts and working principles of DNS.

Essentially, the DNS service is like a Xinhua dictionary. By querying the dictionary, we can find the IP address corresponding to a domain name.

Introduction to DNS

DNS (Domain Name System) is one of the infrastructures of the internet, like a Xinhua dictionary, responsible for converting human-readable domain names into computer-understandable IP addresses.

DNS Resolution Principle

How DNS Works

When you enter a URL in your browser:

  1. The browser first checks the local cache
  2. If not found, it sends a query to the DNS server
  3. The DNS server returns the corresponding IP address
  4. The browser uses this IP address to access the target website

Key Concepts

  • Domain Name: The readable address of a website, such as www.adguardprivate.com
  • URL (Uniform Resource Locator): The complete web address, including protocol, domain name, and path, such as https://www.adguardprivate.com
  • IP Address: The numerical identifier of a network device, such as 1.1.1.1
  • DNS Server: A computer that provides domain name resolution services
  • Website Hosting: Storing website files on a server to make them accessible via the internet

2 - Basic Principles of AdGuardPrivate Protection

AdGuardPrivate can effectively block ads, trackers, and malicious websites through DNS-level interception

Overview of How It Works

AdGuardPrivate protects your network security and privacy through DNS-level interception. It acts like an intelligent gatekeeper, screening all domain requests:

  • ✅ Safe websites: Normal access
  • ❌ Ad domains: Blocked
  • ❌ Trackers: Blocked
  • ❌ Malicious websites: Blocked

Interception Process Diagram

Basic Principles of AdGuardPrivate Interception

Key Features

  1. DNS-level Interception: Intercepts before the request occurs, more efficient
  2. No Need for Plugins: Network-level protection, effective for all devices
  3. Low Resource Consumption: Only processes DNS requests, minimal impact on device performance
  4. Coverage for All Devices: One configuration protects all connected devices