[ga-roots] Definition of a Domain Name

["Patrick Corliss" <patrick@corliss.net>]

On Thu, 17 May 2001 23:21:37 -0700, William S. Lovell wrote:

> (Actually, I  should probably have started this in [ga-roots]
> because collisions and alternative roots, etc., are really what
> it's all about. The question may really have meant roots, TLDs,
> or whatever, although the broader term domain names was in
> fact used -- by "broader" in this context I mean simply that a
> domain name involves all that to the left of the dot as well as
> the TLD.)

Hi Bill

A "domain name" is a hierarchically structured character string that serves
to identify an internet address (Mueller).  Such a string can resolve
through the domain name system to a determinable device, or network of
devices, according to pre-defined criteria such as identity, location, time
or need (Corliss).

I consider that this definition will become more apparent when internet
connections (IP addresses?) are regularly used with devices like vending
machines.

The "real" Internet Protocol (IP) address is a string of numbers that is
difficult to use and remember (e.g., 128.82.75.52).  Internet users rely on
domain names, which take the form of memorable and sometimes catchy words,
to stand in their place.  The uniqueness requirement creates an exclusivity
that has important economic consequences-no two users can use the exact
same character string as a domain name (Mueller).

Of course, the "uniqueness requirement" in relation to domain names assumes
a unique root zone with no collisions.  It may be circumvented through user
or ISP choices relating to the manner in which the domain name resolves.

Regards
Patrick Corliss






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