Glossary of Registration-related terms and organizations

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Glossary of Registration-Related Terms and Organizations

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A -- B -- C -- D -- E -- F -- G -- H -- I -- K -- L
M -- N -- O -- P -- R -- S -- T -- V -- W -- Z

ACK (Acknowledge): An acknowledgement (approval) from an authorized point of contact for a domain name record, contact record, or host record that a requested modification should be completed. When a modification request is received from a source that is not an authorized contact, the request will be rejected and a message will be sent to the listed contacts asking them to ACK (approve) or NAK (disapprove) the modification. [ see also: NAK (No Acknowledgement), Contact/Agent, Modification]
Additional Servers: Any name servers, aside from the primary and secondary name servers listed on the Domain Name Registration Agreement, that will be available to resolve a particular domain name to its corresponding Internet Protocol (IP) number(s). [see also: Name Server, Primary Server, Secondary Server, Domain Name Registration Agreement]
Administrative Contact/Agent: The administrative contact/agent is an individual or role account authorized to interact with Network Solutions on behalf of the domain name registrant. The administrative contact/agent should be able to answer non-technical questions about the domain name's registration and the domain name registrant. It is strongly recommended that the administrative contact/agent be the registrant or someone from the registrant's organization. [see also: Role Account, Regisrant]
ASCII-armored: A feature of Pretty Good Privacy (PGP), which "encases" an encrypted message in ASCII, allowing the message to be sent via e-mail as a regular message. [see also: Encryption, Pretty Good Privacy (PGP)]
Authentication: The process of verifying the identity of an individual or organization. Authentication enables someone to verify that individuals and organizations are who they say they are. Authentication allows the recipient in an electronic transaction to be confident of both the identity of the sender and the integrity of the message.
Authorization: A process used to verify that an individual or organization that has requested an action actually has the right to make the request. Entering a password is an example of authorization.
Autonomous System Number (ASN): An autonomous system is a group of Internet Protocol (IP) networks that adhere to a single routing policy. An Autonomous System Number (ASN) identifies the autonomous system - networks using the same, specified routing policy - and enables the autonomous system to exchange information with other autonomous systems.
Auto-parser: An automated program that extracts information from the fields in the registration forms. The auto-parser will detect errors or incomplete information in the registration forms. Upon receipt of complete and correct registration forms, the auto-parser enters the appropriate data into Network Solutions' domain name database. [see also: Registration Forms]
Auto Responder: An automated program that acknowledges receipt of an email message (e.g., a Domain Name Registration Agreement, a question, or some other type of electronic correspondence) and creates a tracking number for the email message. The auto responder sends the acknowledgment via email to the requester; the subject line of the email message will contain the tracking number. [see also: Tracking Number, Domain Name Registration Agreement]
Billing Contact/Agent: The billing contact is the person or role account designated to receive the invoice for domain name registration and renewal (re-registration) fees. The billing contact should be in a position to ensure prompt payment of fees. [see also: Contact/Agent, Invoice, Registration Fee, Renewal (Re-registration) Fee ]

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Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR): Historically, Internet Protocol (IP) network numbers have been divided into classes, which indicate how many individual hosts, or machines, the network number can support. For example, a Class A IP network number can support 16,777,214 hosts; a Class B IP network number can support 65,532 hosts; and a Class C IP network number can support 254 hosts. Classless Inter-Domain Routing is an addressing and routing scheme that uses a group of contiguous Class C addresses in place of a Class B address. CIDR allows for the aggregation of address space so that routing table size can be kept to a minimum, and also enables the hardware and software that route data between different portions of the Internet to more easily deal with the task. CIDR helps to enable the allocation of IP network numbers in a manner that supports the growing community of network users.
Clear-text Password: The plain text version of an encrypted password. [see also: Encryption, Encrypted Password]
com: The top level domain originally intended for "commercial" entities. One of the worldwide top level domains, in which any person or organization may register a domain name. [see also: Top Level Domain]
Contact/Agent: Contacts/Agents are individuals or groups who represent the registrant on matters related to the registrant's domain name. There are three types of contacts/agents: administrative, technical, and billing. The entity listed as the administrative, technical, or billing contact/agent should be the entity best able to answer questions about that particular aspect of the domain name's registration, and should be authorized to represent the domain name registrant. A contact/agent may be a single person or may be a group or organization where several individuals act in a "role" (e.g., Internet Service Provider Support Center). [see also: Administrative Contact/Agent, Technical Contact/Agent, Billing Contact/Agent, Registrant, Authorization, Role Account]
Contact Form (Contact Template): The electronic form used to register a new domain name contact/agent or modify information for an existing contact. Formerly referred to as the contact template. [see also: Modification, Contact/Agent ]

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Deactivation: The process of removing a domain name from the zone files for the top level domains. When a domain name is deactivated, the Domain Name System (DNS) will no longer have the information needed to resolve the domain name to its corresponding Internet Protocol (IP) number(s), effectively disabling the domain name as a tool for locating the related computers or organizations. Network Solutions refers to this status as being on "Hold." The domain name record, however, remains in Network Solutions' domain name database. [see also: Zone, Zone Files, Domain Name System (DNS) Hold]
Debit Accounts: A payment system for Network Solutions' customers who regularly register large numbers of domain names, e.g., Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Customers establish a debit account with a minimum deposit, and then as they receive invoices they contact Network Solutions' debit accounts section and request that the invoices be paid from the available account funds. [see also: Internet Service Provider (ISP), Invoice]
Deletion: The process of removing a domain name and its corresponding record from the Domain Name System (DNS) and Network Solutions' domain name database. A deleted domain name cannot be used to locate computers on the Internet and will be made available for other parties to register on a first-come, first-served basis. A domain name may be deleted at the request of the domain name registrant, as a result of non-payment of fees, or due to circumstances particular to individual cases. [see also: Domain Name System (DNS), Registrant, Registration Fee, Renewal (Re-registration) Fee, Payment Status Codes]
Digital Signature: The digital equivalent of an authentic, handwritten signature. A digital signature is a piece of data attached to an electronic file, asserting that the owner of the digital signature wrote or authorized the file. [see also: Authorization, Authentication]
Domain: A subset of the total domain name space. A domain represents a level of the hierarchy in the Domain Name Space, and is represented by a domain name. For example, the domain name netsol.com represents the second level domain netsol which is a subset, or sub-domain, of the top level domain com, which is in turn a larger subset of the total Domain Name Space. If you think of the Domain Name Space as a tree, a domain would be analogous to a limb and would encompass all of the branches off of that limb. [see also: Domain Name Space, Second Level Domain, Top Level Domain, Third Level Domain, Domain Name]
Domain Name: An addressing construct used for identifying and locating computers on the Internet. Domain names provide a system of easy-to-remember Internet addresses, which can be translated by the Domain Name System (DNS) into the numeric addresses (Internet Protocol (IP) numbers) used by the network. A domain name is hierarchical and often conveys information about the type of entity using the domain name. A domain name is simply a label that represents a domain, which is a subset of the total domain name space. Domain names at the same level of the hierarchy must be unique, for example there can be only one com at the top level of the hierarchy, and only one netsol.com at the next level of the hierarchy. [see also: Domain Name System (DNS)]
Domain Name Disputes: Disputes that arise over conflicting positions as to who has the right to register a specific domain name. Disputes often occur when a domain name that is the same, or similar to, a valid registered trademark is registered by a party that is not the owner of the registered trademark. A central factor in domain name disputes is the fact that domain names at the same level of the hierarchy must be unique. [see also: Trademark, Domain Name, Network Solutions' Domain Name Dispute Policy]
Domain Name Registration Agreement: The legally binding contract between Network Solutions, the registrar for com, net, org, and edu, domains, and the individual or organization applying for a domain name. The Domain Name Registration Agreement must be completed and submitted electronically to register a new domain name with Network Solutions. The Domain Name Registration Agreement is also the form used to update information in a domain name record. [see also: Modification]
Domain Name Space: An Internet addressing scheme that is hierarchical in nature and uses a "tree" structure to organize information that describes networks and computers. The domain name space is the sum total of domain names that currently represent networks and computers, as well as all of the possible domain names - not yet in use - which may potentially represent networks and computers. Also, the realm of networks, computers, and other network devices that can be described and represented by the Domain Name System (DNS). [see also: Domain Name, Domain Name System (DNS)]
Domain Name System (DNS): A distributed database of information that is used to translate domain names, which are easy for humans to remember and use, into Internet Protocol (IP) numbers, which are what computers need to find each other on the Internet. People working on computers around the globe maintain their specific portion of this database, and the data held in each portion of the database is made available to all computers and users on the Internet. The DNS comprises computers, data files, software, and people working together.
dot or ".": The top of the hierarchy in the Domain Name System (DNS). [See Root]

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edu: The top level domain designated for four-year, degree-granting colleges and universities. [see also: Top Level Domain]
Encrypted Password: A password that has been "scrambled" to protect it from being discovered and used by someone other than the person to whom it belongs. Encrypted passwords generally have an equivalent "clear-text password." Network Solutions' Guardian plan allows the use of encrypted passwords, which help to ensure that modification of a domain name record, contact record, or host record can only be completed by an authorized source. [see also: Modification, Guardian, Encryption, Clear-Text Password]
Encryption: The process of scrambling, or encoding, information in an effort to guarantee that only the intended recipient can read the information.
Error Codes: At Network Solutions, standard codes that are used to indicate common errors in the Domain Name Registration Agreement, the contact form, or the host form that prevent the processing of the Domain Name Registration Agreement or forms. [see also: Domain Name Registration Agreement, Registration Forms, Host Form]

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gov: The top level domain designated for agencies and branches of the United States Federal Government. State and local governments in the United States should use the us top level country code domain. Prior to October 1, 1997, registration in gov was handled by Network Solutions; the General Services Administration (GSA) began handling registration in the top level domain gov starting October 1, 1997. [see also: Top Level Domain]
Guardian: An authorization and authentication scheme developed by Network Solutions that helps protect domain name records, contact records, and host records from unauthorized updates. Guardian is available free of charge and helps support secure registration transactions in an automated environment. It also provides flexible security mechanisms that can accommodate changes in organizations, personnel, and security needs. [see also: Authorization, Authentication]
Guide to Registration Forms: A guide on Network Solutions' InterNIC Registration Services Web site [http://rs.internic.net/help/templates.html] designed to help individuals and organizations choose the correct form (template) for registering and updating domain name records, contact records, host records and establishing a debit account with Network Solutions Registration Services. Debit Account, Contact Form, Host Form, Domain Name Registration Agreement]

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Hold: A status code for a domain name indicating that the domain name is no longer included in the zone files for the top level domain. [See Deactivation]
Host (Name Server): At Network Solutions, the term is most often used to refer to name servers, the computers that have both the software and the data required to resolve domain names to Internet Protocol (IP) numbers. [See Name Server]
Host Form (Host Template): The electronic form used to register a new host (name server) or modify information for an existing host. Formerly referred to as the Host Template. [See also: Host (Name Server)]
Hostmaster: A role account established by Network Solutions to handle email related to domain name registrations. Hostmaster also is a term commonly used by other organizations for role accounts that handle email related to network administration responsibilities. [see also: Role Account]

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Inverse Address Resolution (IN-ADDR): The process used to resolve Internet Protocol (IP) number(s) to their corresponding domain name(s), as opposed to the more familiar type of resolution that starts with a domain name and translates it into the corresponding IP numbers. The Domain Name System (DNS) was designed to translate domain names into IP numbers; to enable an IP number to be translated to a domain name, both the domain name and its corresponding IP number(s) must be registered in a special domain - in-addr.arpa - using the IN-ADDR registration form. This means that the IP address 198.41.0.52 would be listed as 52.0.41.198 in the in-addr.arpa domain, so that when read from left to right it moves from specific to general in the hierarchy, the same way that domain names do. Inverse address resolution can be helpful when using tools such as log files, because it enables the Internet Protocol (IP) number(s) logged by the network and computers to be related to the corresponding domain names, which are more easily recognized by humans. [see also: Domain Name System (DNS)]
Interactive Voice Response System: A automated voice system that allows Network Solutions' customers to pay for their domain name registration and renewal (re-registration) fees 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling a toll free number (888-771-3000) and providing their credit card information to the system over the phone. The Interactive Voice Response System is available toll free to customers in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands; outside of these areas the system is available via a toll call (402-496-9798). [see also: Registration Fee, Renewal (Re-registration) Fee]
Internet Protocol (IP) Numbers (IP addresses): A unique, numeric identifier used to specify hosts and networks. Internet Protocol (IP) numbers are part of a global, standardized scheme for identifying machines that are connected to the Internet. Technically speaking, IP numbers are 32 bit addresses that consist of eight octets, and they are expressed as four numbers between 0 and 255, separated by periods, for example: 198.41.0.52.
Internet Service Provider (ISP): A person, organization, or company that provides access to the Internet. In addition to Internet access, many ISPs provide other services such as Web hosting, Domain Name Service, and other proprietary services. [see also: Name Service]
InterNIC: The name given to a project that originated and operates under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation (NSF). Under this agreement, Network Solutions, Inc. provides domain name registration services in com, net, org, and edu. [see also: InterNIC Registration Services]
InterNIC Registration Services: A National Science Foundation (NSF) cooperative agreement awarded to and operated by Network Solutions, Inc.. Registration Services administers the registration of second level domain names under the following top level domains: com, org, net, and edu. Network Solutions also has been responsible for Internet Protocol (IP) number allocation for the Americas, the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa throughout the duration of the cooperative agreement, but will be transitioned this responsibility to the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN). [see also: InterNIC, American Registry For Internet Numbers (ARIN)]
Invoice: The bill for a domain name registration or renewal (re-registration) fee. Invoices are sent to the billing contact via both postal mail and email. [see also: Billing Contact/Agent, Registration Fee, Renewal (Re-registration) Fee]

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Key-ring: A pair of keys that consists of both a public key and its corresponding private key. Key-rings are used in public-key encryption systems such as Pretty Good Privacy (PGP). Data encrypted with someone's public key can only be decrypted with the corresponding private key, and vice versa. Key-rings are associated with an encryption system known as Pretty Good Privacy (PGP). [see also: Encryption, Pretty Good Privacy (PGP)]

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Lame Delegation: Listing a host (name server) that does not contain a Start of Authority (SOA) record for a domain name on a Domain Name Registration Agreement. [see also: Start of Authority (SOA) Record, Domain Name Registration Agreement, Host (Name Server)]

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Mail-from: One of the authentication schemes used by Network Solutions. In the mail-from scheme, the email address that is used to send a modification request is compared to the email addresses that are on file for the individuals or organizations who are listed as authorized points of contact for the domain name, the contact, or the host. The mail-from option under the Guardian plan allows the contact to specify two email addresses, rather than just one, which can help avoid problems with authentication later if one of the email addresses should change. [see also: Authentication, Authorization, Modification, Contact/Agent, Guardian]
Maintenance: The processing, research, support, and administration involved in creating domain name records, contact records, and host records. Maintenance includes, but is not limited to, posting changes to these records as they are submitted; keeping Network Solutions' database of domain, contact, and host information updated; and ensuring that the zone files for the top level domain servers reflect current information. [see also: Zone File, Modification, Registration Fee, Renewal (Re-registration) Fee]
Manual: Not automated; processed by humans.
Manual Queue: The log of Domain Name Registration Agreements, contact forms, and host forms that require human review because they cannot be automatically processed due to errors or incomplete information. [see also: Registration Forms, Domain Name Registration Agreement, Contact Form, Host Form]
mil: The top level domain designated for United States military entities. [see also: Top Level Domain]
Modification: The process of updating an existing domain name record, contact record, or host (name server) record to reflect changes in existing information. Modifications include: changing information on an existing contact record; replacing an existing contact on a domain name record with a new contact; changing information on an existing host record; changing the name servers listed on an existing domain name record; changing information about the organization who registered a domain na me (there are some cases when changes in the organization's name may require a new, separate registration). There is no additional charge to modify an existing domain, contact, or host record. Keeping these records up to date is critical to the smooth operation of the Domain Name System (DNS), and it is the responsibility of the registrant to ensure that domain name record(s) are kept up to date. [see also: Domain Name System (DNS), Registrant, Registration Fee, Renewal (Re-registration) Fee]

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NAK (No Acknowledgement): An "negative" acknowledgement (disapproval) from an authorized point of contact for a domain name record, contact record, or host record that a requested modification should not be completed. When a modification request is received from a source that is not an authorized contact, the request will be rejected and a message will be sent to the listed contacts asking them to ACK (approve) or NAK (disapprove) the modification. [see also: ACK (Acknowledge), Modification, Contact/Agent]
Name Server: Also called a host or a name server. A computer that has both the software and the data (zone files) needed to resolve domain names to Internet Protocol (IP) numbers. [see also: Host (Name Server), Zone File, Resolve]
Name Service: Providing individuals or organizations with domain name-to-Internet Protocol (IP) number resolution by maintaining and making available the hardware, software, and data needed to perform this function. Many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operate name servers and provide their customers with name service when they register a domain name. Most individuals are not in a position to operate a name server on their own and will need to make arrangements for name service with an ISP or some other person or organization. [see also: Resolve, Internet Service Provider (ISP), Name Server]
net: The top level domain designated for entities and computers that represent part of the Internet's infrastructure. Originally intended for use by Network Information Centers (NICs), Network Operations Centers (NOCs), administrative computers (such as a name server) and network node computers. One of the worldwide top level domains. [see also: Top Level Domain]
Network Solutions' Domain Name Dispute Policy: The policy established by Network Solutions to provide for actions Network Solutions may take when presented with evidence that, on its face, alleges that the legal rights of a trademark owner are harmed as the result of a violation of the trademark owner's intellectual property rights. By submitting a Domain Name Registration Agreement , each domain name registrant agrees to be bound by this policy. [see also: Domain Name Registration Agreement, Registrant, Trademark]
NIC Handle: A NIC Handle is a unique identifier, which can be up to 10 alpha-numeric characters, assigned to each domain name record, contact record, and network record in Network Solutions' domain name database. NIC handles should be used on registration forms whenever possible, as they save time and help to ensure accuracy in the records. [see also: Registration Forms]
Notification: At Network Solutions, the process of informing individuals and organizations who are listed as authorized points of contact on a domain name record, contact record, or host record that the registry has received a request to modify information in one of the records with which the authorized contacts are associated. All notifications are sent via email to the email addresses that are on file with Network Solutions for the authorized points of contact. The notification process provides each authorized point of contact with the opportunity to acknowledge the requested modification with the response "ACK" or to refuse to acknowledge the requested modification, with the response "NAK." Notification is intended to keep all those involved with a domain name or host informed of actions that can affect the operation and functioning of the name or host. [see also: ACK (Acknowledge), NAK (No Acknowledgement), Contact/Agent, Modification, Host (Name Server)]

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org: The top level domain designated for miscellaneous entities that do not fit under any of the other top level domains. Typically used for non-profit organizations. One of the worldwide top level domains. [see also: Top Level Domain]

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Pretty Good Privacy (PGP): A commonly used encryption system, invented by Phillip Zimmerman. PGP is based on public key encryption, and is one of the authentication schemes available through Network Solutions' Guardian plan. [see also: Encryption, Guardian, Authentication]
PGP Public Key Server: A database of information that can be queried to find someone's public key. [see also: Pretty Good Privacy (PGP)]
Primary Server: On Network Solutions' Domain Name Registration Agreement, the section where the registrant indicates the host name and Internet Protocol (IP) number of the name server that will contain authoritative information for the domain name and will be used to resolve that domain name to its corresponding IP number(s). The design ation of "primary" means that this name server will be used first and will be relied upon before any of the other name servers that may be listed on the Domain Name Regi stration Agreement. The primary server section of the Agreement is a required sect ion and the domain name registration will not be processed unless this section of th e Domain Name Registration Agreement is completed properly. [See also: Secondary Server; Additional Servers; Host (Name Server), Name Server, Domain Name Registration Agreement]
Private Key Encryption: An encryption method in which both the sender and recipient of a message share a single, common key that is used to both encrypt and decrypt the message. [see also: Encryption]
Public Key Encryption: An encryption method that uses the concept of a key-ring. The key-ring has two keys - a public key that is made available to everyone and a private, or secret, key that is known only by the private key holder. The public and private keys are designed to work together. Anyone can use the public key to encrypt data, but only the person with the corresponding private key can decrypt the data; this helps to protect the content of messages. Alternatively, anyone can use the public key to decrypt data, but only if it was encrypted with the corresponding private key; this helps to ensure the identity of the person sending the data. Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) is a type of Public Key Encryption. [see also: Encryption, Key-Ring, Pretty Good Privacy (PGP)]

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Registrant

The individual or organization that registers a specific domain name with Network Solutions. This individual or organization holds the right to use that specific domain name for a specified period of time, provided certain conditions are met and the registration fees are paid. This person or organization is the "legal entity" bound by the terms of the domain name Domain Name Registration Agreement. [see also: Domain Name Registration Agreement, Registration Fee, Renewal (Re-registration) Fee]

Registrant Name Change Agreement

Registrant Name Change Agreement - The method by which a domain name Registrant changes its name (i.e., what is in line 3a of the Registrant's Domain Name Registration Agreement with Network Solutions), as it appears in Network Solutions' records. Specifically, the Registrant Name Change Agreement must be used if the Registrant wishes to:

Correct a typographical or other minor error in the Registrant's name;
Change the Registrant's legal name; or
Transfer the domain name to another party. You may obtain a copy of the Registrant Name Change Agreement at the URL http://rs.internic.net/reg-change/agreement.html, and you may obtain a copy of the Registrant Name Change Agreement instructions at the URL http://rs.internic.net/reg-change/instructions.html. [see also: Transfer]

Registration

The process through which individuals and organizations obtain a domain name. Reg istration of a domain name enables the individual or organization to use that part icular domain name for a specified period of time, provided certain conditions are met and payment for services is made. Registering of a new domain name with Networ k Solutions is accomplished by completing and submitting the Domain Name Registratio n Agreement, thereby agreeing to be bound by the terms and conditions of the then ex isting Domain Name Registration Agreement, including the Domain Name Dispute Policy, and paying the registration fee. [see also: Registrant, Registration Fee, Domain Name Registration Agreement, Network Solutions' Domain Name Dispute Policy]

Registration Fee

The charge for registering a domain name. Network Solutions' registration fee covers the cost of processing the initial registration and maintaining the domain name record for two years. For domain names with registration dates on or before March 31, 1998, the fee is $100.00 USD. This fee includes a 30% Internet Infrastructure Fund contribution that NSI is required to pay. (Re-registrations of these names, in the future, will not include the 30% fee because this requirement ends midnight, March 31, 1998 ET.) For domain names with registration dates on or after April 1, 1998, the fee is $70.00 USD. After the initial two-year period, the domain name is subject to renewal (re-registration) and the renewal (re-registration) fees will be due on an annual basis if the registrant wishes to renew the domain name's registration. [see also: Registration, Maintenance, Renewal (Re-registration), Renewal (Re-registration) Fee, Domain Name]

Registration Forms

Forms that are used to submit and process registration requests. These forms, which include the Domain Name Registration Agreement, are used to register new domain names, new contacts for domain names, and new hosts (name servers) as well as to update domain name, contact, and host records. There are both Web versions and plain text (ASCII) versions of the forms. [see also: Domain Name Registration Agreement, Host Form, Contact Form, Guide to Registration Forms]

Registry

A registry is responsible for delegating Internet addresses such as Internet Protocol (IP) numbers and domain names, and keeping a record of those addresses and the information associated with their delegation. Examples of regional IP registries include Reseaux IP Europeens (RIPE), Asian-Pacific Network Information Center (APNIC), and the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN). Examples of domain name registries include Network Solutions' InterNIC operation (com, net, and org) and the ISO 3166 country code registries (e.g., fr, de, uk, us). [see also: Reseaux IP Europeens (RIPE), Asian-Pacific Network Information Center (APNIC), American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN), InterNIC Registration Services]

Renewal (Re-registration)

The process of reinitiating a domain name's registration for a specified period of time. Renewing an existing domain name with Network Solutions is accomplished by simply paying the renewal (re-registration) fee which covers one year of continued regisration and maintenance, and agreeing to be bound by the terms and conditions of the then existing Domain Name Registration Agreement, including the Domain Name Dispute Policy. [see also: Domain Name Registration Agreement, Network Solutions' Domain Name Dispute Policy, Renewal (Re-registration) Fee, Maintenance]

Renewal (Re-registration) Fee

The charge for renewing an existing domain name registration. Network Solutions' renewal (re-registration) fee covers one year of maintenance for the domain name record and is assessed each year on the anniversary of the original registration. For domain names with anniversary dates on or before March 31, 1998, the fee is $50.00 USD. This fee includes a 30% Internet Infrastructure Fund contribution that NSI is required to pay. For domain names with anniversay dates on or after April 1, 1998, the fee is $35.00 USD. [see also: Renewal (Re-registration), Registration, Maintenance]

Renewal (Re-registration) Notice

A notice sent to registrants 60 days before the anniversary of their registration date to let them know that their domain name will be due for renewal (re-registration) and that an invoice will be sent for the renewal (re-registration) fees. [See also: Renewal (Re-registration), Renewal (Re-registration) Fees, Invoice]

Request For Comments (RFCs)

The official document series of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) that discusses many aspects of computing and computer communication focusing on networking and Internet protocols, procedures, programs, and concepts. All Internet protocols are written up as RFCs, but not all RFCs describe Internet standards. [see also: Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)]

Resolve

The term used to describe the process by which domain names are matched with corresponding Internet Protocol (IP) numbers. "Resolution" is accomplished by a combination of computers and software, referred to as name servers, which use the data in the Domain Name System to determine which IP numbers correspond to a particular domain name. [see also: Domain Name System (DNS), Name Server]

Role Account

A group name under which more than one individual may perform a specific function. For example, "Hostmaster" is the role under which several people at Network Solutions handle incoming email related to domain registrations. Role accounts are typically used to prevent a critical function - for example, handling incoming email about domain name registrations - from being tied to a particular individual.

Root

The top of the Domain Name System (DNS) hierarchy. Often referred to as the "dot." [see dot or ".", Domain Name System (DNS)]

Root server

A machine that has the software and data needed to locate name servers that contain authoritative data for the top level domains (e.g., root servers know which name servers contain authoritative data for com, net, fr, uk. etc.). The root servers are, in fact, name servers and contain authoritative data for the very top of the Domain Name System (DNS) hierarchy. Currently, technical specifications limit the number of root servers to 13. These machines are located around the globe, in the U.S., the U.K., Sweden, and Japan. [see also: Root, Top Level Domain, Name Server, Domain Name System (DNS)]

RWhois

A protocol under development at Network Solutions that helps find domain names and other network data on a large number of servers, rather than on just one server. RW hois is a directory services protocol which extends and enhances the Whois protocol in an effort to provide a scaleable, decentralized, and efficient means of storing an d retrieving information related to hosts, network information systems, and the indiv iduals associated with those systems. Borrowing from earlier established Internet protocols, other directory service efforts, and the architecture of the Domain Name System (DNS), RWhois uses the hierarchical nature of the information related to network "objects" (domains, Internet Protocol (IP) numbers, hosts, people) to provide the shortest and most efficient path between network data and the person who needs it. [see also: Whois, Domain Name System (DNS), ]

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Second Level Domain: In the Domain Name System (DNS), the next highest level of the hierarchy underneath the top level domains. In a domain name, that portion of the domain name that appears immediately to the left of the top level domain. For example, the netsol in netsol.com. Second level domain names are often descriptive and have come to be used increasingly to represent businesses and other commercial concerns on the Internet. [see also: Domain Name System (DNS), Top Level Domain]
Secondary Server: On Network Solutions' Domain Name Registration Agreement, the section where the registrant indicates the hostname and Internet Protocol (IP) number of a name server that will contain authoritative data for the domain name being registered and will resolve that domain name to its corresponding IP number(s). The designation of "secondary" indicates that the name server will be used in addition to and as a backup for the primary name server that is listed on the Domain Name Registration Agreement. [see also: Primary Server, Domain Name Registration Agreement, Name Server, Resolve]
Secure Online Payment System: A system that allows Network Solutions' customers to pay for their domain name registration and renewal (re-registration) fees 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by entering their credit card information directly via the Web. The system provides a fast and secure method of payment and requires that the customer have a browser that will support Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). [see also: Registration Fee, Renewal (Re-registration) Fee]
SPECIAL: A status code for a domain name indicating that payment resolution for the domain name registration is "pending." The SPECIAL status is generally used when there is a problem applying a payment to a domain name: e.g., a wrong invoice number, a misspelled name, or other problem that delays processing payment. Domain names that are on SPECIAL status are active - still in the Domain Name System (DNS) - and will not be deactivated unless the problems cannot be resolved. [see also: Payment Status Codes, Registration Fee, Renewal (Re-registration) Fee, Domain Name System (DNS)]
Start of Authority (SOA) Resource Record: A type of record used in the distributed database that is the Domain Name System (DNS) to indicate that a particular name server contains authoritative data for a particular domain. [see also: Domain Name System (DNS), Name Server]

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Third Level Domain: In the Domain Name System (DNS), the next highest level of the hierarchy underneath the second level domains. In a domain name, that portion of the domain name that appears two segments to the left of the top level domain. For example, the reston in reston.va.us. Third level domains are not the portion of an email address that appears in front of the @ symbol - for example, the webmaster in webmaster@netsol.com is not a third level domain. [see also: Second Level Domain, Top Level Domain, Domain Name System (DNS)]
Top Level Domain (TLD): In the Domain Name System (DNS), the highest level of the hierarchy after the root. In a domain name, that portion of the domain name that appears furthest to the right. For example, the com in netsol.com. [see also: Domain Name System (DNS), Root, Domain Name]
Technical Contact/Agent: The technical contact is the person or organization who maintains the primary domain name server. The technical contact should be able to answer technical questions about the domain name's primary domain name server and work with technically-oriented people in other domains to solve technical problems that affect the domain name. [see also: Contact/Agent, Primary Server]
Tracking Number: The reference number assigned to an email message when the email message is received by Network Solutions at the hostmaster@internic.net address. The tracking number has the following format: NIC-YYMMDD.#, where YYMMDD represent the year, month, and date that the acknowledgment is sent, and # is the unique number assigned to that particular request. The tracking number can be used to check on the status of a registration request as well as payment status for a domain name. [see also: Auto Responder, Hostmaster]
Trademark: A word, phrase, graphic image, or other symbol used to represent a business, commercial, or other organization. Trademarks are used to identify the organization to the public and to consumers and are intended to identify the organization's products and services as well. To be recognized as a trademark, the word, phrase, graphic image, or symbol must be registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (in the United States) or, in the case of other countries, with the appropriate authority for that country.
Transfer: The process of changing the party who is listed as the domain name registrant. The party taking over the domain name is responsible for paying a new registration fee. Domain name transfers are processed using the Registrant Name Change Agreement Instructions are available at http://rs.internic.net/reg-change/instructions.html. [see also: Registrant Name Change Agreement, Registrant, Registration Fee]

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VeriSign Server Digital ID: Server Digital IDs are used in much the same way that a business license or articles of incorporation are used in the real world to provide verification of an organization's identity to the people with whom the organization does business. VeriSign Server Digital IDs, which are the IDs available from VeriSign, Inc., are used by organizations wanting to authenticate Web sites, establish secure sessions and enable vertical applications such as Internet Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). Digital IDs make it possible for a Web site to assure visitors of its true identity, enabling users to avoid fraudulent or spoofed Web sites. Digital IDs for servers also enable Web sites to establish secure sessions with visitors - a private connection over the Internet that cannot be penetrated by external parties. The Server Digital IDs provided by VeriSign Inc. are backed by information from sources such as Dun & Bradstreet. [see also: Authentication]

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Whois: A searchable database maintained by Network Solutions, which contains information about networks, networking organizations, domain names, and the contacts associated with them for the com, org, net, edu, and ISO 3166 country code top level domains. Also, the protocol, or set of rules, that describes the application used to access the database. Other organizations have implemented the Whois protocol and maintain separate and distinct Whois databases for their respective domains.

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Zone: A portion of the total domain name space that is represented by the data stored on a particular name server. The name server has authority over the zone - or the particular portion of the domain name space - described by that data. [see also: Zone File, Name Server, Domain Name Space]
Zone File: A file that contains data describing a portion of the domain name space. Zone files contain the information needed to resolve domain names to Internet Protocol (IP) numbers. [see also: Zone, Domain Name Space, Resolve]

Organizations
Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA): A research and development arm of the U.S. Department of Defense. ARPA was responsible for the development of the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET), an experimental network that was designed to connect computers in disparate geographic locations and allow researchers to share information and other resources. In the mid 1970s, ARPA became the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). DARPA continued to operate ARPANET, which eventually transformed into a packet-switched network that used the TCP/IP protocols and subsequently laid the groundwork for the development of the network we now know as the Internet.
American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN): The newly-formed, non-profit organization established to manage the allocation of Internet Protocol (IP)numbers for the areas currently served by the InterNIC's Registration Services: the Americas, the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa. The National Science Foundation (NSF) approved the establishment of ARIN on June 24, 1997. [see also: InterNIC Registration Services, Registry]
Asia-Pacific Network Information Center (APNIC): The Asian-Pacific Network Information Center is a collaborative effort consisting of national Network Information Centers (NICs) and Internet Service Providers within the Asian-Pacific region. The APNIC acts as a regional Internet Registry, providing the allocation of Internet Protocol (IP) address space to the Asian-Pacific region. [see also: Registry]
Commercial Internet eXchange Association (CIX): The Commercial Internet eXchange Association is a non-profit trade association of Public Data Internetwork service providers. CIX promotes and encourages development of the public data communications internetworking services industry in both national and international markets. CIX provides a broad-based, neutral forum to exchange ideas, information, and experimental projects among suppliers of internetworking services.
Internet Architecture Board (IAB): The Internet Architecture Board oversees the development of Internet standards and protocols, and acts as a liaison between the Internet Society (ISOC) and other standards bodies. [see also: Internet Society (ISOC)]
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA): The function that currently oversees registration for various Internet Protocol parameters, such as port numbers, protocol and enterprise numbers, options, codes, and types. The IANA function is currently located at the Information Sciences Institute at the University of Southern California in Marina del Rey, CA.
Internet Engineering Steering Group (IESG): The Internet Engineering Steering Group acts as the operational management arm of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). [see also: Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)]
Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF): An international, voluntary body consisting of network designers, engineers, researchers, vendors, and other interested individuals who work together to address and resolve technical and operational problems on the Internet and develop Internet standards and protocols. The IETF, which was formed by the Internet Architecture Board (IAB), meets three times a year, however the bulk of the collaboration and work takes place on the various mailing lists maintained by its participants. [see also: Internet Engineering Steering Group (IESG), Internet Architecture Board (IAB), Request For Comments (RFCs)]
Internet Society (ISOC): The Internet Society is an international organization that was founded in 1992. The ISOC is dedicated to the expansion, development and availability of the Internet and holds an annual meeting, INET, in various location around the world.
National Science Foundation (NSF): An independent U.S. government agency that sponsors, funds, and fosters research and development in science and engineering. The NSF, recognizing that networks would play a crucial role in scientific communication, became involved in wide area networking in the mid 1980s and founded NSFNET, which connected academic and research institutions. NSFNET was later connected to the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET), and eventually developed into the network that we now refer to as the Internet. The NSF has gradually transitioned its role and responsibility in the Internet to the private sector, however it continues to be involved in a number of experimental networking efforts.
North American Network Operators Group (NANOG): A forum organized by Merit Network, Inc. to provide for the exchange of technical information within the community of network service providers. NANOG members can include private, public, federal, commercial or other networks that consider themselves providers of Internet services. The members meet three times a year to discuss operational issues and other technical matters. Membership is not limited to North America but the focus of the forum is on North American network issues.
Reseaux IP Europeens Network Coordination Center (RIPE NCC): A collaborative effort that consists of approximately 400 organizations, such as European Internet service providers. The RIPE NCC acts as a regional Internet Registry, providing the allocation of Internet Protocol (IP) numbers to the European region. [see also: Registry]

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