What is the function of the DNS protocol?

The DNS (Domain Name System) protocol plays a crucial role in networking by resolving human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses. This function is essential for the proper routing of internet traffic, as users typically access websites using domain names (like www.example.com), while computers and routers use IP addresses (like 192.0.2.1) to communicate with each other.

When a user types a URL into their browser, the DNS system translates that domain into its corresponding IP address, allowing the user's device to locate the server that hosts the requested website. This process is vital to the functionality of the internet, making it easier for individuals to navigate online resources without the need to memorize numerical addresses. The efficiency and effectiveness of the DNS protocol facilitate seamless communication across the internet, ensuring that users can access websites and services with ease.

The other options mentioned do not align with the core function of DNS. For example, while sending files relates to protocols such as FTP, managing network devices is typically handled by protocols like SNMP, and data encryption is associated with protocols like SSL/TLS. Each of these functions is important in its context, but they do not pertain to the primary role of the DNS protocol in networking.