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Why do computers use numerical IP addresses instead of website names?
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Computers use numerical IP addresses because they are the fundamental identifiers required for the TCP/IP architecture to route information packets to the correct destination across the network.12
While these numeric addresses are essential for machine communication, they are difficult for humans to memorize and manage as networks grow. To bridge this gap, researchers developed the Domain Name System (DNS). DNS acts as a directory service that translates user-friendly domain names (such as britannica.com) into the corresponding machine-readable IP addresses.12
By using DNS, the Internet provides a mnemonic interface that allows users to easily locate resources while maintaining the technical precision required for computer networking.12