Category: DNS History

The growth of the World Wide Web in the 1990s was one of the most transformative periods in modern technology, marking the internet’s transition from a specialized tool for researchers to a ubiquitous platform for global communication, commerce, and information sharing. Central to this explosive expansion was the Domain Name System (DNS), which provided the…

The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) brought with it a dramatic expansion in the number and diversity of devices connected to the internet. From sensors and smart home appliances to industrial controllers and medical devices, IoT systems required robust mechanisms for identification, addressing, and communication. The Domain Name System (DNS), already a cornerstone…

DNS over TLS (DoT) emerged as a response to growing concerns about the privacy and security of DNS communications in the modern internet landscape. As the Domain Name System evolved to become a cornerstone of global connectivity, its foundational design, focused on efficiency and simplicity, left DNS queries and responses vulnerable to eavesdropping, manipulation, and…

The Domain Name System (DNS) serves as a critical infrastructure of the internet, enabling users to access websites and services by translating human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses. While DNS was originally designed as a neutral and decentralized system, it has increasingly become a point of control for governments seeking to enforce laws, regulate…

During the mid-2000s, the Domain Name System (DNS) experienced a unique period of exploitation marked by the practices of domain tasting and kiting. These practices arose from a loophole in domain registration policies, specifically the Add Grace Period (AGP), which was originally designed as a consumer-friendly mechanism. While AGP served legitimate purposes, it was manipulated…

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a foundational technology of the internet, designed to map human-readable domain names to machine-readable IP addresses. However, as the internet evolved into a global platform for commerce, communication, and information, domain names became valuable digital assets. This transformation led to a series of high-profile legal battles over domain ownership,…

The Root Server System Advisory Committee (RSSAC) holds a unique and critical position in the history and governance of the Domain Name System (DNS). Tasked with advising on the operation, reliability, and stability of the root server system, the RSSAC has played an instrumental role in maintaining the foundational layer of the internet. Its creation…

The Domain Name System (DNS) is often described as the “phonebook of the internet,” a foundational technology that maps human-readable domain names to machine-readable IP addresses. Over the decades, DNS has evolved from a straightforward directory service into a complex, distributed, and indispensable component of global communications. Its role has expanded beyond simple name resolution…

The Domain Name System (DNS) and the concept of certification authorities (CAs) have long been central to internet security and trust. However, the overlapping roles of DNS and X.509 certificates in establishing online authenticity have historically created confusion and complexity. Both systems play distinct yet complementary roles in ensuring secure communication on the internet, but…

Dynamic DNS (DDNS) emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s as a transformative tool for addressing the limitations of traditional static DNS in environments where IP addresses frequently changed. This innovation proved particularly valuable for home networks and small businesses, which often relied on consumer-grade internet connections that used dynamic IP addressing. By enabling…