What is the purpose of the Domain Name System (DNS)?

The Domain Name System (DNS) serves the essential function of translating human-readable domain names, such as www.example.com, into machine-readable IP addresses, such as 192.0.2.1. This translation process is crucial because, while humans find it easier to remember names, computers and network devices communicate using numerical IP addresses. When a user types a URL into a web browser, DNS enables the browser to retrieve the corresponding IP address, allowing the user to access the requested website or resource. This system effectively allows for a more user-friendly internet experience by removing the need for users to remember complex numerical addresses.

The other options do not reflect the primary role of DNS, as assigning IP addresses is typically the function of Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), managing internet traffic involves various networking devices and techniques, and creating network protocols pertains to the development of rules for communication over networks rather than the functioning of DNS itself.