1. What is a domain name?
A domain name is the user-friendly form of an Internet Protocol (IP) address. An IP address points an Internet user’s computer to the website he/she wants to view. This unique IP address is a string of numbers that can be difficult to remember. The computer's IP address is therefore designated by a string of characters that is easier to remember. For example, the domain name “inta.org” is easier to remember than its corresponding IP address, 64.244.180.150.
The Domain Name System (DNS), which is essentially a global addressing system, allows Internet users around the world to go to a specific website address by entering its corresponding domain name. DNS does this by locating and translating domain names into IP addresses.
In “ inta.org” the name portion of the domain name (inta) is called a second-level name and is chosen by the domain name applicant. This name must be unique. The end portion of the domain name (.org) is called a top-level domain (TLD). A top-level domain is the highest level in the Domain Name System hierarchy. Top-level domains are divided into three general groups, namely, generic top-level domains (gTLDs), country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs) and internationalized domain names (IDNs).
A list of currently
approved top-level domains is published by the Internet Assigned Names Authority (IANA).
2. What is a gTLD?
A gTLD is a generic top-level domain. The gTLD of an Internet address appears to the right of the “dot” in the address. gTLDs include the familiar .com, .net, and .org as well as many newer gTLDs that focus on particular business or interest groups, such as .aero (for the aviation community), .biz (for business purposes), .coop (for cooperatives), .info (unrestricted), .museum (for museums), .name (for personal names) and .pro (for professionals). Some are restricted to certain groups, such as .gov for the U.S. Government, .edu for approved post-secondary educational institutions, and .mil for the U.S. Military.
3. What is a ccTLD?
A ccTLD is a country-code top-level domain—for example .mx for Mexico and .ca for Canada. These ccTLDs are administered by nationally designated registration authorities in each country or territory. There are currently over 250 ccTLDs, as recorded by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
4. What is an IDN?
An IDN is an Internationalized Domain Name. IDNs contain local language characters such as accents, and may include non-Latin scripts such as Arabic, Chinese or Cyrillic characters. ICANN is introducing IDNs as top-level domains.
5. Who administers the DNS?
ICANN administers the DNS. ICANN is responsible for facilitating the technical, managerial and policy decisions of the Internet. Although ICANN administers certain DNS functions, actual registration of domain names is delegated to various accredited registrars. Individual countries control their respective ccTLDs country codes and establish their own policies for registration and use.
6. How do you register a domain name?
You may register a domain name directly from a registrar by completing an application or submitting certain information, as well as paying a fee. A variety of registrars are available for registering domain names. A directory of accredited registrars may be found at http://www.internic.net/regist.html and on the ICANN website. ccTLDs are normally purchased directly from the national registry or from local registrars. After the registrant has provided contact and technical information to the chosen registrar, the registrar verifies that the domain name is available and then submits the technical information to a central directory known as the "registry." This registry provides other computers on the Internet the necessary information to send you email or locate your website. When a domain name is registered, an entry is included into a directory of all the domain names and their corresponding computers on the Internet.
7. What are the costs associated with filing for a domain name?
The fee to register a domain name varies from registrar to registrar, as well as from TLD to TLD. For example, a domain name in Moldova (.md) generally is more expensive than a domain name using the .com TLD.
8. Does a domain name expire?
Yes, it does. The date will depend on the agreed upon term of registration between the domain name registrant and registrar. A domain name registrant can renew the registration if they so desire.
9. Do I have to have an active Web page to have a domain name?
No, it is not necessary to have an active Web page to register or maintain a domain name record.
Additional INTA Resources:
Differences Between Trademarks and Domain Names
The UDRP: Alternative Dispute Resolution For Domain Name Disputes
Internet Law page
Other Resources:
ICANN—Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers
IANA—Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
