What is a name server responsible for in networking?

A name server plays a crucial role in networking by holding records for a part of the namespace, essentially translating human-readable domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the network. When a device seeks to connect to a website, it queries a name server to resolve the domain name, leading to a seamless browsing experience.

This process is a fundamental part of how the Domain Name System (DNS) operates. Each name server is responsible for specific domains or subdomains, maintaining records that include mappings of domain names to their corresponding IP addresses. This responsibility is vital for the functioning of the internet, as it allows users to access resources using easy-to-remember names instead of having to memorize numerical IP addresses.

The other choices specify different functions that do not align with the primary purpose of a name server. For instance, storing all web pages pertains to web hosting solutions rather than DNS services, routing emails relates to mail servers, and enforcing firewall rules is a function of network security devices. These distinctions illustrate the specialized role that name servers play within the broader context of networking.