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Domain Name System

The Internet Domain Name System (DNS) is a critical component of the Internet infrastructure. The DNS associates user-friendly domain names (e.g., www.ntia.doc.gov) with the numeric network addresses (e.g., 170.110.225.155) required to deliver information on the Internet, making the Internet easier for the public to navigate.

NTIA is the Executive Branch expert on issues relating to the DNS and supports a multi-stakeholder approach to the coordination of the DNS to ensure the long-term viability of the Internet as a force for innovation and economic growth.
 

Related content


Technical and Economic Assessment of Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) - Discussion Draft

July 16, 2004
Abstract

This paper focuses on one of the communications protocols that lie at the heart of the Internet — the Internet Protocol (IP), which enables data and other traffic to traverse the Internet and to arrive at the desired destination. IP not only provides a standardized “envelope” for the information sent, but it also contains “headers” that provide addressing, routing, and message-handling information that enables a message to be directed to its final destination over the various media that comprise the Internet.

IPv6 offers a number of potential advantages over IPv4, most notably a massive increase in the number of Internet addresses. Demand for such addresses will increase as more and more of the world’s population request Internet access. While there is considerable disagreement about whether, to what extent, and at what pace, such demand will develop, IPv6 would provide the address space to accommodate whatever level of demand does emerge.

NTIA Awards Contract for Management of Key Internet Functions to ICANN

August 15, 2006

The Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration today announced the award of a sole source contract to ICANN to perform technical functions supporting the Internet Domain Name system.

The department on February 21, 2006 issued a Request for Information to conduct market research about whether there were other qualified entities to perform these functions.

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