7.2 Multicast DNS

Domain Name Service provides translation from a Web address (starting with www) to the Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. mDNS (Multicast DNS protocol) is a method of network neighborhood resource discovery. mDNS forwards the DNS message to many endpoints on a network. Each device connected to an mDNS enabled network sends out a message detailing its name, function, and capabilities. On the receiving device, the information is stored so that it can route requests when an application requests a service, such as printing.

mDNS is useful in wireless networks. By monitoring mDNS advertisements, clients can learn the location of the service, then connect to it in the same way as any other service. mDNS transforms the manual process of configuring IP addresses and port numbers that provides a zero configuration experience where a user references the service using human-friendly types and names.