While both are essential components of networking, they serve different functions. An IP address is a numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network. It serves as the unique identifier for that device, enabling communication within the network and across the internet. On the other hand, a DNS server, or Domain Name System server, is like the internet's address book. It translates human-readable domain names (e.g., www.whoisfreaks.com) into corresponding IP addresses, facilitating the routing of data between devices. In essence, an IP address identifies a device, whereas a DNS server translates domain names into IP addresses for efficient internet communication.