What is the primary function of DNS in a networking environment?

The primary function of DNS, or Domain Name System, in a networking environment is to resolve hostnames to IP addresses. This critical role allows users to access websites and services using human-readable names (like www.example.com) instead of needing to remember numerical IP addresses (like 192.0.2.1).

When a user enters a domain name in a browser, the DNS servers facilitate the translation of that name into an IP address. This process is essential for locating network resources in a vast array of devices connected to the Internet or local networks. Without DNS, users would have a much more challenging experience navigating the web, as they would need to memorize and enter IP addresses directly.

In contrast, the other choices pertain to functions that are not associated with DNS. Assigning IP addresses is managed by DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), firewall services are provided by security appliances or software that monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic, and managing routing tables is the responsibility of routers and routing protocols. Each of these functions plays a vital role in network operations but does not fall under the purview of DNS.