These are terms you’ve probably heard used, when talking about domains.
But what do they mean? What’s the difference? Although they sound
similar, they refer to very different things. When talking about
domains or reading articles about domains, these terms will often be
used, so it is important that you understand what they each mean.
Registry – is a database of all domain names registered in a TLD
(top-level domain) namespace. It also refers to the authority in charge
of this TLD namespace. They fall between ICANN (the top internet
authority) and registrars (who allow the public to buy domain names) in
the domain hierarchy.
For example, VeriSign is the registry in charge of all managing .com
and .net domain names.
Registrar – is the orgnaization or company that sells domain
names to the end-user. They must be accredited by ICANN to become a
registrar.
Register – is the process of registering the domain with a
registrar.
Registrant – is the person who owns the domain. Namely, the
person and contact details that appear on the whois information.
So, next time someone starts “talking domains”, now you’ll know what
they are talking about…
Subscribe
