Which networking service allows for hostname resolution to IP addresses?

Hostname resolution to IP addresses is primarily done through the Domain Name System (DNS). The purpose of DNS is to convert human-readable domain names, such as www.example.com, into their corresponding IP addresses, like 192.0.2.1. This process allows users to access websites and services using easily memorable names rather than having to remember numerical IP addresses.

DNS is fundamental in networking as it provides a directory-like service for the Internet. When you enter a website's name in a browser, a DNS query is made to resolve that name into an IP address, enabling the browser to communicate with the appropriate server.

In contrast, other services mentioned serve different functions: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) automatically assigns IP addresses and configuration settings to devices on a network, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is used for transferring web pages, and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is used for transferring files over a network. None of these focus on the resolution of hostnames to IP addresses, underlining the unique role that DNS plays in networking.