Which protocol allows users to access websites through human-readable names?

The correct answer is the Domain Name System (DNS), which is a fundamental component of how the internet functions. DNS is responsible for translating human-readable domain names, such as www.example.com, into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the network. This system allows users to easily access websites without needing to memorize complex numerical addresses.

Without DNS, users would have to rely on IP addresses to navigate the web, which would be cumbersome and inefficient. The system works like a phone book for the internet, enabling users to enter a simple name and have it automatically converted to the appropriate IP address by DNS servers. This process enhances user experience by allowing convenient access to the vast resources available online.

Other protocols listed, such as Internet Protocol (IP), DHCP, and FTP, serve different purposes. IP is responsible for defining how data is sent across networks, DHCP is used for automatically assigning IP addresses to devices on a network, and FTP is for transferring files. None of these protocols provide the function of translating domain names into IP addresses, which is the key feature of the Domain Name System.