What Is a Domain Name? How Do Domain Names Work?

Connecting domain names to IP addresses

Every domain name connects to a matching IP address and points to the web server that hosts the website. Domain Name System (DNS) servers form a worldwide network that looks up the IP addresses for domain names.

When a domain name is put into a web browser, the DNS server network will find the IP address and server that the domain points to. The web server then returns the website data to the browser, which turns it into a web page on the user's screen.

The domain name registration process

Getting a domain name means paying to use it for a set time period through a domain registrar. The registrar will ask for your real address as the domain owner and will keep track of the technical details connecting you to the domain in their database.

You don't ever fully own a domain name, but you can keep renewing your registration for it as long as you want. If you stop renewing, the domain name will become available for others to register and use.

DNS request process

Here's what happens when you type a domain name like "uptimia.com" into your web browser:

1. The browser checks if your computer already knows the IP address for the domain (through a local DNS cache). If so, it goes straight to that IP address.

2. If your computer doesn't have the IP address cached, it asks a DNS server which IP matches the domain name.

3. Once the computer has the right IP address, the browser can get the website data from the web server to display the page.

This process usually takes just milliseconds to connect you to a website.

Role of name servers in domain name resolution

Name servers are a key part of the DNS infrastructure that helps route traffic to the right place. They store and manage the DNS records that link domain names to IP addresses.

Different types of name servers play specific roles:

• Authoritative name servers hold the final authority for a domain and can provide answers about it
• Recursive name servers act as middlemen and ask other servers until they get the final answer to return to the client
• Root name servers are the first stop in redirecting traffic for domains

When a recursive name server gets a request for a domain, it will ask a series of authoritative name servers until it reaches the one with the information it needs (often the root server first and then in order from TLD to SLD). Then it will send the IP address back to the client so their computer can connect to the domain's server.

How domain names are managed and regulated

ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) is the non-profit organization that oversees the domain name system. They accredit registrars who are allowed to register and manage domains.

These registrars must follow ICANN's policies and help resolve any domain disputes, such as trademark issues or usage concerns. For example, certain domains may be restricted for use only by qualified companies or organizations.

ICANN also manages the process of creating and launching new top-level domains. They set the guidelines for how registries should operate and allocate domains.

So in summary, domain names work by connecting memorable words to numeric IP addresses so that people can easily access websites. This happens through the domain name system that registrars and name servers maintain, under the oversight and policies of ICANN. The domain registration process reserves your right to use the domain for your website.

TLDs (Top-Level Domains)

Top-level domains, or TLDs, are the most widely recognized domain extensions. Examples include .com (commercial), .org (organization), and .net (network). These TLDs are open for anyone to register and use, making them a popular choice for all kinds of websites.

ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) oversees the management of TLDs. Some TLDs have restrictions or are sponsored by specific organizations that set policies for their use. For instance, .edu is limited to accredited educational institutions, and .gov is only available for U.S. government entities.

ccTLDs (Country-Code Top-Level Domains)

Country-code top-level domains, or ccTLDs, are two-letter extensions that represent a specific country or geographic location. They follow the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 3166-1 alpha-2 country codes. Some examples include .us (United States), .uk (United Kingdom), and .de (Germany).

Websites targeting audiences in a particular country often use ccTLDs to show their regional focus. They can also help with local search engine optimization (SEO) efforts. However, some ccTLDs have restrictions on who can register them. For example, .ca domains require a Canadian presence, while .eu domains are only open to organizations and individuals based in the European Union.

gTLDs (Generic Top-Level Domains)

Generic top-level domains, or gTLDs, are a newer category of domain extensions that are not country-specific. These include options like .blog, .shop, .club, and many others. gTLDs give websites more choices for unique and relevant domain names.

Some gTLDs are associated with particular communities or industries, helping to establish a website's niche. For example, .design could suit a graphic design portfolio site, while .restaurant would fit a dining establishment. These niche-specific domains can make a website more memorable and help it stand out from the competition.

Certain generic top-level domains are sponsored, meaning an organization other than ICANN sets the rules for who can register them. These sponsored gTLDs often have eligibility requirements. An example is .realtor, which is limited to licensed real estate agents who are members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

In summary, the key domain name types are:

• TLDs: Widely used extensions like .com, .org, and .net that are open to all
• ccTLDs: Country-specific, two-letter extensions based on ISO codes, such as .us, .uk, and .de
• gTLDs: Newer extensions not tied to a country, often related to industries or interests, like .blog, .shop, and .design

When choosing a domain name, it's important to consider which extension best fits the website's purpose, audience, and branding goals. A thoughtful domain selection can make a site more trustworthy, memorable, and easy to find online.