Top Level Domain Names
And Type of Domain name Extensions.

On this page we will briefly look at:

All domain names have a suffix that indicates to us the type of domain name extension in use: One misconception that most people have is the tendency to associate any given domain name to dot com.

As you will see shortly, there exists other type of domain name extension that any one has the liberty to choose from.

Top Level Domain names.

There are three categories of top level domains:

1. Generic top level domain extension [gTLDs]

In theory Generic top level domain extension were meant to be used by a particular group or class of organization.

However with passage of time no one realy control over who uses which extensions and for what purpose.

• .com for commercial business.
• .org for Organizations or nonprofit.
• .mil for Military.
• .edu for Educational institutions.
• .gov for Government agencies.
• .net for Media services.

Bear in mind that the list above is not an all exclusive list of all the domain names extensions. There are way many more others.

2. Country top level domain extensions [ccTLDs].

   A Country code extensions is a two-letter extension that is standardized by the International Standards Organization as ISO 3166.

   Below are examples of Some country code extension:

   • ca: Canada
   • de: Germany
   • jp: Japan
   • in: India
   • uk: United Kingdom

   Other counties also have their own extensions. Note also that, rules for registering ccTLDs differ from one country to another.

   Some countries only allow their residents and organizations based within their territories to register such names while other countries are open to all nationalities across the board and also regardless of residence.

3. [iTLDs] Infrastructure top level domain.

   These are special type of top level domain extension that has limited use.

You can read more about the type of domain name extensions and top level domain names here

Pages:  1  2  3  4  5

Next: 4. Domain Names Guidelines »