Author: Staff

Security protocols play a critical role in ensuring the integrity, reliability, and trustworthiness of domain name system operations. Both legacy TLDs and new gTLDs must comply with ICANN-mandated security requirements, but the nature of these requirements, the scale of implementation, and the associated challenges differ significantly. Legacy TLDs such as .com, .net, and .org operate…

The backend registry software that powers top-level domains plays a critical role in ensuring the stability, security, and efficiency of domain registrations, DNS resolution, and compliance with ICANN regulations. The software solutions used by legacy TLDs and new gTLDs vary significantly due to differences in scale, operational history, and technological advancements. Legacy TLDs, having been…

Scalability is one of the most critical concerns for domain name system infrastructure, determining how well a top-level domain can handle increasing query volumes, expanding registry operations, and evolving technical demands over time. The approaches taken to scalability vary significantly between legacy TLDs and new gTLDs, as these two categories of domain names face different…

The Registration Data Access Protocol, or RDAP, represents a significant evolution in how domain registration data is queried and retrieved, offering a modern replacement for the aging WHOIS protocol. Unlike WHOIS, which relies on plain-text queries and lacks standardized response formatting, RDAP is built on HTTP-based requests, structured JSON responses, and enhanced security features. Its…

The architecture of the Domain Name System (DNS) is inherently distributed to ensure resilience, speed, and global accessibility. The deployment strategies of legacy top-level domains and new generic top-level domains differ significantly due to historical development, technical requirements, and the unique demands of each category. Understanding these differences provides insight into the complexities of DNS…

As the global demand for internet services continues to rise, domain name registries are increasingly focused on sustainability initiatives that reduce their environmental impact while maintaining high levels of performance, security, and reliability. Both legacy TLDs such as .com, .net, and .org and the newer gTLDs introduced through ICANN’s expansion program are adopting green infrastructure…

The ability to future-proof domain name infrastructure is a crucial priority for both legacy TLDs such as .com, .net, and .org and newer gTLDs introduced through ICANN’s expansion program. As the internet continues to evolve, registries must ensure their systems remain resilient, scalable, and secure in the face of increasing traffic demands, emerging cybersecurity threats,…

The distribution of zone files is a fundamental aspect of domain registry operations, ensuring that domain name resolution remains efficient, secure, and widely accessible. Both legacy TLDs such as .com, .net, and .org and new gTLDs introduced through ICANN’s expansion program rely on extensive zone distribution networks to propagate DNS records to authoritative name servers,…

The DNS Root Key Signing Key (KSK) rollover is one of the most critical operations in maintaining the security and trustworthiness of the global DNS infrastructure. This process involves changing the cryptographic key that signs the root zone of the DNS, ensuring that the integrity of DNSSEC-enabled domain names remains uncompromised. Both legacy TLDs such…

Registry lock mechanisms are one of the most critical security measures in domain name management, preventing unauthorized transfers, deletions, or modifications at the registry level. These mechanisms ensure that high-value domains, including those used for banking, e-commerce, and government services, remain secure against cyber threats such as domain hijacking, registrar compromise, and fraudulent transfer requests.…