What is the role of DNS in a network?

The correct answer highlights the primary function of the Domain Name System (DNS) within a network, which is to translate human-readable domain names (like www.example.com) into machine-readable IP addresses (such as 192.0.2.1). This translation process is crucial because while humans prefer to use easily memorable names for websites, computers communicate using numerical IP addresses. DNS acts like an address book for the internet, enabling users to access resources without needing to remember complex numerical identifiers.

When a user types a website address into a browser, the DNS servers are queried to retrieve the corresponding IP address, allowing the user's device to establish a connection with the desired web server. Without DNS, the internet would quickly become cumbersome, requiring users to memorize a vast array of IP addresses instead of simple domain names.

The other options focus on aspects that do not define the core role of DNS, such as signal amplification, bandwidth savings, or security enhancements, which are not inherent functions of the DNS protocol itself. Instead, those are functionalities associated with different network technologies or protocols.