Domains are a hierarchical structure on the Internet. The highest level domains are Top-Level Domains (TLDs). There are over 200 TLDs in existence, with plans for the gradual creation of more to follow. An example of a TLD is .com. Each TLD has a Domain Authority that grants domain names to applicants.

Next down on the hierarchical tree are second level domains (SLDs). An example of an SLD is "netnames.com". NetNames was granted the domain name "netnames.com" by the Domain Authority of .com, known as the InterNIC.

Next down on the tree are third, fourth, fifth (and so on) level domains. An example of a third-level domain is "www.netnames.com". Third level domains (and below) are created by the owner of the SLD, not by the Domain Authority. In this example, NetNames created "www.netnames.com" by following technical procedures for creating subdomains.

What is a Domain Name?

A domain name is a human-friendly translation of an IP network address. So, instead of remembering 194.236.72.3, you can just type in "www.netnames.com". Your domain name is your home, or your address, on the Internet.

What are the different kinds of Domains?

Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs)

Generic Top-Level domains are not linked to any territory. Generic top-level domains include the familiar .com, .org, and .net, and will soon be expanded to include new domain names that will include .rec, .info, .shop, .nom, .web, .art, and .firm.

Country Top-Level Domains

Each country and territory in the world has its own top-level domains. The United Kingdom, for instance, uses .uk. France uses .fr, Denmark .dk, and so on. Each country domain has its own rules and regulations about who can register. You can consult our Country Domain Listing for specific regulations.

Who can register a domain name?

In a generic TLD anyone can register any name, assuming that it's not taken already. That's not to say that if you register someone else's name (and they can prove it theirs), you won't have it taken away. In a country TLD, there are often restrictions about who can register a domain name. Common restrictions include having to be a registered company or having to produce a trademark.