What record type serves the same purpose as A records but links domain names to IPv6 addresses?

AAAA records, also known as Quad A records, serve the critical function of linking domain names to IPv6 addresses, which are necessary due to the evolving nature of internet addressing. Just as A records map a domain name to an IPv4 address, AAAA records do the same for IPv6, thereby ensuring that modern web services can be accessed using the more complex and expansive IPv6 addressing scheme.

The use of AAAA records is particularly important as the transition to IPv6 grows, allowing for a significantly larger pool of IP addresses, which is essential for accommodating the increasing number of devices connected to the internet. This record type is essential for DNS resolution in environments where IPv6 is in use, making it a fundamental part of modern networking and internet architecture.

Other record types, such as A records, CNAME, and MX records, serve different purposes. A records link to IPv4 addresses, CNAME records create an alias for another domain name, and MX records are involved in directing email to mail servers. Each serves a distinct role within the DNS ecosystem, highlighting the specialized function of AAAA records in the context of IPv6.