May 9, 2023

How Does A Domain Name Work?

written by

Joe Uddeme

Joe Uddeme

How Does A Domain Name Work?

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There aren’t many people today who don’t know what a domain name is – but few actually understand how they really work. In this post, NameExperts.com Director Joe Uddeme explains what’s going on behind the scenes.

 

A domain name is what you type when you want to visit a website. For example, you type “Google.com” into your web browser, and it takes you directly to Google to search for stuff. But a lot happens behind the scenes to ensure the domain name you type takes you to the correct website.

In fact, it’s all pretty complicated – and interesting, too. If you want to buy a premium domain name worth in the tens or even hundreds of thousands, having clear insight into what you’re actually paying for might be a good idea. This article will explain what happens and demystify how the world of URLs and the web works.

Key takeaways:

  1. Understanding the different components of a domain name
  2. Proven ways to buy a domain name
  3. Domain name facts and FAQs

Typewriter with words 'name search' on piece of paper to illustrate article about what makes a domain name

 

How A Domain Name Leads You To A Website On the Internet

The Internet is an extensive network of computers connected to each other via cables; each computer on this network can communicate with others. Every computer is identified by a unique Internet Protocol (IP) address, which consists of four numbers separated by periods, e.g., 192.168.1.2.

Graphic showing the elements of a domain name

Each website is hosted by a specific computer or server. When you want to visit that website, you need to point to the IP address of the computer hosting it. But IP addresses are difficult to remember. Imagine you had to memorize the unique IP addresses of all the websites you visit; that’ll be impossible, which is why domain names were invented.

A domain name is a human-readable name pointing to a specific IP address on the web. Whenever you type a domain name into your browser, it queries a vast database called the Domain Name System (DNS) and gets the corresponding IP address of the website you want to visit.

The Domain Name System is akin to a phonebook in your home containing your friends’ names and phone numbers. You don’t remember all your friends’ phone numbers; you just need to know their names. Whenever you need a specific number, you check for the name and get it.

This is precisely what the Domain Name System accomplishes; you type a domain, and it gives the correct IP address to your web browser. Your browser fetches the data from the server using that IP address and shows it to you.

 

Parts Of A Domain Name

A domain name has three main parts: top-level domain (TLD), second-level domain, and subdomain.

Graphic explanation showing the components of the nameexperts.com domain name

1. Top-Level Domain

The top-level domain (TLD) is the last segment of text in a domain name. The most popular TLDs you should be familiar with include

  • .com
  • .net
  • .co
  • .edu
  • .org

Yet, there are over 1,500 TLDs you can choose from. A lot of them are assigned to specific countries, such as;

  • .uk (United Kingdom)
  • .tv (Tuvalu)
  • .br (Brazil)
  • .ca (Canada)
  • .cn (China)
  • .de (Germany)

There are many other random TLDs such as .website, .book., .dog, .attorney, and .band. A popular one today is the .ai domain name, which has been a hit with tech companies.

2. Second-level domain (SLD)

This is the middle part of the domain name. It is a unique word or phrase identifying the website you want to visit. This part of the domain plays the biggest role in branding an online business. It’s also important in search engine rankings.

3. Subdomain

A subdomain is the part that comes before the main domain. They are attached to the main domain and separated by a period, e.g., blog.example.com, support.website.com.

Subdomains function like independent websites but are attached to the main site. For instance, you can have an online store or a blog attached to your main business site.

 

Who Manages the Domain Name System (DNS)

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is the agency responsible for managing the global domain name system. It is a nonprofit organization that enacts policies for creating and managing domain names. It permits companies called domain registrars to sell domain names on its behalf.

Technically, you don’t own any domain that you use. You’re leasing it from ICANN (via your domain registrar) and controlling it as long as you renew the registration. If your registration expires, another person can take control of the domain – although with a little effort it’s possible to secure a domain name forever (sort of).

 

How To Buy A Domain Name

To buy a domain, you can head to any domain registrar’s website and check if someone else has not registered the domain name you want. If so, you can immediately pay for it and start using it.

If the domain name you want has already been registered, don’t fret. You can hire a domain name broker to help you trace, contact the owner, and negotiate a possible purchase. Domain brokers have experience arranging domain sales, so they’ll help you pay a fair price for the domain you want.

 

Tips For Choosing A Domain Name

  • It should be short and simple. Longer domain names are more difficult to remember. Try and choose a strong domain name that will match your business goals and ambitions.
  • Avoid using hyphens and numbers in the domain name.
  • Use keywords related to your line of business. This helps improve your branding and search rankings.
  • A .com TLD should be your first option. If that isn’t available, use other popular TLDs such as .co and .net. The more popular the TLD is, the easier it will be to promote.

Google search box to denote the importance of a domain name

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Domains

How long can I register a domain name for?

The maximum registration period for a domain name is 10 years. But you can renew it every 10 years and keep control of the domain.

What is a premium domain name?

They are high-quality domains that people often buy to flip for a higher price later. Demand for premium domains is high, and the price increases over time, making them good investments.

Can you sell your domain name?

Yes, you can sell your domain name anytime you want to. You can do that yourself or enlist a domain broker to find a buyer for the best price.

How do you find the owner of a domain?

You can identify a domain’s owner by querying the public WHOIS database, which contains contact information about the registered owner of every domain.

What happens if I don’t renew my domain name?

Registrars usually give a 30-day grace period in which you can reclaim the domain. Your domain will be auctioned on the market if that period runs out.

 

About the author

Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of Name Experts, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Contact us at: [email protected]

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Managed by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), this database contains essential details about domain owners, including their name, address, phone number, and email address. The primary purpose of the WHOIS database is to provide transparency and accountability in the domain name registration process. It allows users to look up information about a domain name and its owner, ensuring that the domain registration landscape remains open and trustworthy. Risks of Public WHOIS Data While the WHOIS database serves an important role, having personal details publicly available can pose several risks for domain owners: Spam and Unsolicited Contacts: With personal information readily accessible, domain owners may find themselves inundated with unwanted emails, phone calls, or physical mail from marketers and spammers. 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This is particularly important for individuals and businesses that value their online privacy and want to prevent unwanted solicitations, spam emails, and identity theft. By keeping your personal information private, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your online presence is secure and your identity is protected. How to Register a Domain Anonymously There are several methods to register a domain name anonymously, including: Using a Domain Registrar that Offers Anonymous Registration: Services like Namecheap or Google Domains provide options for anonymous domain registration. Additionally, some registrars offer a free domain name with their services, which can be an added benefit. Utilizing a Proxy Service: Services like Domains by Proxy or Uniregistry can mask your personal information, ensuring it remains private. Registering Through a Third-Party Service: Using a VPN or a domain anonymization service can help you register a domain without revealing your identity. Using a Domain Broker or Marketplace: Engaging a domain broker or using a domain name marketplace can help maintain anonymity during the registration process. Some registrars offer a free domain with hosting packages, which can lower overall costs and enhance the appeal of their services. Using a Domain Privacy Service: A domain privacy service can protect your personal information by replacing it with the service’s contact details. Verifying Domain Privacy Protection To verify whether your website has domain privacy protection, you can easily check the WHOIS database by entering your domain name in the search bar. Look for a generic name, contact address, or email address that forwards messages to you. If you find any of your details apart from what’s in the Domain Information panel, consider enabling domain privacy. You can also check with your domain registrar to see if they offer domain privacy protection services. Ensuring that your domain has privacy protection is a simple yet effective way to safeguard your personal information and maintain your online privacy. Security and Protection Anonymous domain registration provides an additional layer of security and protection for domain owners. By keeping personal information private, individuals and businesses can: Protect Against Cyber Threats and Unwanted Exposure: Keeping your personal details hidden helps safeguard against cyber threats and unwanted exposure. Prevent Domain Hijacking and Fraud: Anonymous registration reduces the risk of domain hijacking and fraudulent activities. Maintain Confidentiality in Sensitive Situations: It ensures that your identity remains confidential in sensitive transactions. Enhance Security Against Ransomware Attacks and Other Cyber Crimes: Anonymous registration adds a layer of security against various cyber crimes. Ensure Personal Information Remains Hidden from Public View on WHOIS: Your personal details are not displayed in the public WHOIS database, protecting your privacy. It is essential to note that while anonymous domain registration offers numerous benefits, it is crucial to choose a reputable domain registrar that provides reliable privacy protection services. Additionally, individuals and businesses should be aware of the potential limitations and considerations when registering a domain name anonymously, such as specific restrictions or policies regarding anonymous registration for certain domain extensions (TLDs). Maintaining Anonymity Maintaining anonymity when registering a domain name is crucial for protecting your personal information and preventing unwanted solicitations. Here are some tips to help you maintain anonymity: Use a VPN to mask your IP address and location. Use a secure email service that offers end-to-end encryption. Be cautious when sharing personal information online. Use a domain broker or a domain name marketplace to purchase a domain name anonymously. Consider using a proxy service to mask your personal information. By following these tips, you can ensure that your personal details remain confidential and your online presence is secure. If you need help, seasoned domain brokerage firms such as NameExperts.com can streamline the process. Regulatory Considerations Compliance with ICANN Regulations ICANN regulations mandate that domain registrars collect and store accurate contact information for domain owners. This requirement ensures that the domain registration process remains transparent and accountable. However, ICANN also recognizes the need for privacy and allows for anonymous domain registration through the use of proxy services or private domain registration. To comply with ICANN regulations, domain registrars must: Collect and Store Accurate Contact Information: Registrars are required to gather and maintain up-to-date contact details for all domain owners. Provide Options for Anonymous Domain Registration: Registrars should offer services such as proxy registration or private domain registration to help domain owners protect their personal information. Educate Domain Owners on Risks: It is crucial for registrars to inform domain owners about the potential risks associated with public WHOIS data and the benefits of opting for anonymous registration. Offer Tools and Services for Privacy Protection: Registrars should provide tools and services that enable domain owners to safeguard their personal information and maintain privacy. By adhering to these guidelines, domain registrars can ensure compliance with ICANN regulations while offering robust privacy protection options for domain owners. This balance between transparency and privacy is essential for maintaining trust and security in the domain registration ecosystem. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Implications The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has significant implications for domain registration and WHOIS data. Under the GDPR, personal data cannot be shown without consent. This means that domain registrars must obtain explicit consent from domain owners before publishing their personal data in the WHOIS database. If you’re a domain owner, you can request that your personal information be removed from the WHOIS database by contacting your domain registrar. This regulation helps protect your personal information and ensures that your privacy is maintained. Limitations and Considerations While anonymous domain registration offers numerous benefits, there are some limitations and considerations to keep in mind: Some domain extensions (TLDs) may have specific restrictions or policies regarding anonymous registration. Ensure that the domain registrar you choose has a reliable privacy protection service and a good reputation in the industry. Some domain registrars may require identification verification, but not all do. Anonymously registering a domain name may not be possible for all types of domains, such as country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs). Domain privacy protection services may not be available for all domain registrars, so it’s essential to check with your registrar before purchasing a domain name. By being aware of these limitations and considerations, you can make informed decisions when registering a domain name anonymously and ensure that your personal information remains protected.   About the author Joe Uddeme is Director and Principal of Name Experts, one of the world’s leading domain name brokerage services. He has overseen domain name sales and acquisitions totaling more than $150 million and is renowned worldwide as a go-to expert in buying and selling premium domains. Contact us at: [email protected]

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