| Introduced | 1985 |
|---|---|
| TLD type | Generic top-level domain |
| Status | Active |
| Registry | VeriSign |
| Sponsor | None |
| Intended use | Network infrastructure |
| Actual use | ISPs; miscellaneous sites; used sometimes when desired name is not available in .com |
| Registration restrictions | None |
| Structure | Registrations at second level permitted |
| Dispute policies | UDRP |
| Website | VeriSign NET Registry |
| DNSSEC | yes |
The domain name net is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) used in the Domain Name System of the Internet. The name is derived from network, indicating its originally intended purpose for organizations involved in networking technologies, such as Internet service providers and other infrastructure companies. However, restrictions were never enforced and the domain is now a general purpose name space. It is still popular with network operators, and is often treated as an alternate to com.
net is one of the original top-level domains[1] (the other five being com, edu, gov, mil, and org) despite not being mentioned in RFC 920, having been created in January 1985. As of 2011, it is the third most popular top-level domain, after .com and .de.[2]
VeriSign, the operator of net after acquiring Network Solutions, held an operations contract that expired on June 30, 2005. ICANN, the organization responsible for domain management, sought proposals from organizations to operate the domain upon expiration of the contract. VeriSign regained the contract bid, and secured its control over the net registry for another six years. On June 30, 2011, the contract with VeriSign was automatically renewed for another six years. This is because of a resolution approved by the ICANN board, which states that renewal will be automatic as long as VeriSign meets certain ICANN requirements.[3]
Registrations are processed via accredited registrars and internationalized domain names are also accepted.[4]
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