Which of the following describes the role of a DNS server?

The role of a DNS (Domain Name System) server is primarily to translate domain names, which are human-friendly addresses, into numerical IP addresses that computers use to communicate with each other over the internet. When you enter a web address in your browser, the DNS server takes that domain name and searches for the corresponding IP address, allowing your device to locate the correct server hosting the website. This process is vital for navigating the internet because it simplifies the user experience, eliminating the need for people to memorize complex numerical addresses.

The other choices do not accurately describe the function of a DNS server. Providing internet connectivity relates to the broader infrastructure and hardware necessary for accessing the internet rather than the specific task performed by a DNS server. Lifting IP address restrictions refers to network management aspects that deal with access and permissions, which is not a DNS function. Encrypting internet connections is specifically associated with security protocols like TLS/SSL, not the DNS process itself. Thus, the translation of domain names into numerical IP addresses is the defining characteristic of a DNS server's role.