The Domain Name System (DNS) plays a critical role in the internet infrastructure by translating human-readable domain names into IP addresses. This allows users to access websites using easy-to-remember names instead of numeric values. DNS servers function as directories, responding to queries with the appropriate IP addresses, which directs the user's browser to the desired website. Additionally, DNS is essential for the overall performance and reliability of internet services, ensuring efficient routing of web traffic. It also supports various Internet protocols, making it foundational for web-based applications and services.