The Internet domain name system (DNS) helps users to refer to websites using easy-to-remember domain names rather than numeric IP addresses. The rightmost domain name, also called the top-level domain (TLD), is categorized into three types. The first type is the two-lettered domain name referred to as country code TLD, normally delegated to individuals or organizations in that particular country. The second type is a special TLD called arpa that is used for technical infrastructure purposes. The third is the generic TLD, or generic domain name. Generic domain names are three or more letter extensions that can further be subdivided into sponsored or un-sponsored TLDs. In the beginning, generic domain names were available in .com.edu.gov.int.mil.net, and .org extensions, out of which .com.net, and .org were used for registration without restriction. In recent years, more generic TLDs were introduced for specific communities. These include .biz.info.name.pro.aero.coop, and .museum. The first four are free domain names, and the last three are sponsored domain names. Free TLD operates under policies established by the global Internet community directly through the ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), while sponsored TLD is administered by a sponsor representing a specific community that is concerned with that TLD. The sponsor is responsible for policy formulation or any matters related to that particular TLD. There are about sixteen generic domain names available for use. They include .aero.biz.cat.com, coop.edu.gov.info.int.jobs.mil.mobi.museum.name.net.org.pro, and .travel. |
