In the Internet world, domain names are like real-world house numbers, and are the bridge connecting users and digital resources.
1. Basic concepts of domain names
1.1 What is a domain name?
A Domain Name is a string of letters, numbers, and hyphens that identifies computers, services, or resources on the Internet. For example: It is a typical domain name. It allows humans to access network resources more conveniently by mapping to IP addresses (such as 192.0.2.1).
1.2 Domain name structure
The domain name adopts a hierarchical structure, consisting of multiple parts, separated by . :
- Top-level domain name (TLD): the rightmost part, such as .com, .org, .cn
- Second-level domain name: the middle part, such as baidu in
- Subdomain name: optional prefix, such as
2. Working principle of domain name system (DNS)
2.1 DNS resolution process
When the user enters in the browser, the system will perform the following steps:
- Local cache query: Check if the local DNS cache is recorded
- Recursive query: initiate a request to the local DNS server
- Iterative query: root server → TLD server → authoritative server
- Return result: Finally obtain the target IP address
2.2 Core features of DNS
- Load balancing: Assign different IPs through polling or geographic location
- Disaster recovery backup: Configure backup server IP to deal with failures
- Intelligent analysis: Return to the optimal node according to the user's geographical location
3. Registration and management of domain names
3.1 Registration process
- Domain name query: Check availability through WHOIS database
- Select a registrar: ICANN certification agency (such as GoDaddy, Alibaba Cloud)
- Submit information: Provide domain name owner information
- Payment fee: Usually ranging from $5-50 per year
3.2 Critical Management Operations
- Domain name renewal: avoid expiration and deletion
- DNS settings: Configure A records, CNAME, MX records, etc.
- Transfer registrar: You need to unlock the domain name and obtain the authorization code
- Privacy protection: Hide WHOIS information to prevent harassment
4. Common domain name types
4.1 Top-level domain name classification
type |
Example |
illustrate |
Universal top-level domain (gTLD) |
.com .net |
Open to the world |
Country/Region Top Level Domain (ccTLD) |
.cn .uk |
Specific country/region |
New gTLD (nTLD) |
.app .ai |
Added after 2013 |
4.2 Special purpose domain name
- International domain name (IDN): Supports non-ASCII characters such as Chinese and Arabic
- Reverse domain name: used for mail server verification (such as _spf.)
- Dynamic Domain Name (DDNS): Provides fixed domain names for dynamic IP devices
5. Domain name security and challenges
5.1 Common security threats
- Domain name hijacking: Tampering with DNS resolution results
- Phishing website: Use similar domain names to imitate legitimate websites
- Expired registration: The domain name is maliciously registered after expiration
5.2 Protection measures
- DNSSEC: Digital signatures prevent tampering
- Two-factor authentication (2FA): protect domain name management accounts
- Monitoring service: Real-time monitoring of abnormal DNS changes
6. The value and future of domain names
6.1 Business Value
- Brand logo: worth hundreds of millions of dollars
- SEO Impact: Keyword-related domain names are easier to obtain search rankings
- Investment potential: High-quality domain names can be traded as digital assets
6.2 Technology development trends
- DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH): Encrypted DNS query to protect privacy
- Blockchain domain name: decentralized registration based on smart contracts
- Semantic domain names: support natural language query (such as search. China)
Here is the article about what domain names are, what are their uses, and how does DNS work? This is all about the article. For more related domain names, please search for my previous articles or continue browsing the related articles below. I hope everyone will support me in the future!