Domain Name System
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What is the DNS and how does it work?
If it weren't for the domain name system (DNS), it would be difficult to
do the things we expect our computer to do these days, like contact each
other, display email, or open web pages. We take it for granted,
because it seems so easy, but every time we type in a web site address
the Internet Protocol (IP) uses the address as well as the DNS to deliver
information from computer to computer.
What, exactly, is a domain name? Domain names are the text names that correspond to numeric IP addresses of computers connected to the Internet. Each domain name is unique, and Internet users generally access websites by their domain names. Mnemonic domain names can provide important clues to the content or branding of a website. For this reason, memorable domain names, or names associated with popular search terms like business, investing, shopping, or travel, often command high market values. Domain names ending with the popular .com TLD (top-level domain) extension are the most sought-after, followed by those with other generic TLDs such as .net and .org, and those with country code or regional TLDs like .us, .ca, and .eu. Because the Internet is growing by leaps and bounds, the domain name system is constantly expanding and new domains are being registered and sold frequently.
How do DNS servers work? In a nutshell, the web browser matches the
requested URL's domain name to an IP address. The web browser goes
first to a local server maintained by your Internet Services Provider
(ISP), and if the IP address is also local, the connection is made.
If the connection is not local, the local server contacts the root domain
server, which tells the local server where to find the information.
The local name server contacts the primary name server for the information
and sends it on to you!
As with any investment commodity, whether it be real estate, rare coins, or corporate stocks, there is a market for domain names. This market is supported by a number of domain name brokers, who focus on appraising, buying, and selling domain names for corporate buyers, web developers, and domain name investors. Some domain names, such as Business.com, Diamond.com, and Loans.com, have sold for millions of dollars, and the interest in short, high-quality names remains high. On this site, domain-name-system.us, you will find domain name brokers, registrars, and information concerning this sometimes speculative investment vehicle.
Domain Name Registrar Directory
- InterNIC Registrar Listing
Accredited registrar directory, sorted alphabetically, by location, and by language.
www.InterNIC.net/regist.html
Domain Name Registrars
- Network Solutions
The first and largest registrar of domain names offers a full range of web-related services, including domain names, web sites and e-mail.
www.NetworkSolutions.com - Register.com
Popular registrar offers domain name registration, do-it-yourself website templates, hosting, and personalized email.
www.Register.com - Misk.com
Discount domain name registrar offers a simple, no-frills user interface.
www.Misk.com - Dotster
Leading ICANN accredited domain name registrar and web hosting company features a range of added-value products and services.
www.Dotster.com - GoDaddy.com
Discount domain registrar features a broad selection of additional cost registration options.
www.GoDaddy.com
Domain Name Brokers
- Afternic
Buy and sell domain names. Members can search the large listings database, determine market values with the domain name appraisal service, negotiate deals, and close transactions with the domain name escrow service.
www.Afternic.com - Domain Mart
This domain name broker offers a diversified suite of services including name appraisal and valuation, as well as leasing, parking, protecting, and registering domain names. Domain Mart also features a domain name marketplace plus transfer and escrow services.
www.DomainMart.com - BuyDomains.com
This domain market-maker offers low prices, free add-on services, and a simple sales process. This domain name broker also features domain registration and hosting services.
www.BuyDomains.com - SnapNames
Features automated systems and partner relationships that can gain access to the many expiring domain names that become available each day.
www.SnapNames.com - Sedo
Global marketplace for buying and selling domain names and websites. Their network includes domain-oriented sites in five languages and a full range of domain name services. Domain name auctions, consulting, appraisals, and transfer services are available from this firm.
www.Sedo.com - DOTCOM Agency
This UK-based agency buys and sells premium Dot Com domain names, focusing on names with no numbers or dashes.
www.DotComAgency.com
Domain Name Information Resources
- Internet Domain Names
Introduction to the management of Internet names and addresses. Published by the National Telecommunications & Information Administration.
www.NTIA.DOC.gov - ICANN
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is an internationally organized, non-profit corporation that has responsibility for Internet Protocol (IP) address space allocation, protocol identifier assignment, generic (gTLD) and country code (ccTLD) Top-Level Domain name system management, and root server system management functions.
www.ICANN.org - InterNIC Domain Name System
A non-technical explanation the Domain Name System (DNS) and of why universal domain name resolvability is important.
www.InterNIC.net/faqs/authoritative-dns.html - InterNIC Domain Names, Registrars, and Registration
FAQs on domain names, registrars, the domain name registration process, and the competitive registration environment.
www.InterNIC.net/faqs/domain-names.html - DN Journal
News and analysis of the domain name marketplace, including sales charts, a newsletter, legal issues, and market trends.
www.DNJournal.com - DnForum
Domain name forum features wide ranging discussions about many aspects of the domain name market.
www.Dnforum.com