.net
From Free net encyclopedia
- For other uses, see .net (disambiguation).
Template:Infobox Top level domain
.net is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) used on the Internet's Domain Name System. The .net gTLD is currently operated by VeriSign. Registrations are processed via accredited registrars and internationalized domain names are also accepted (see details).
.net was one of the original top-level domains (despite not being mentioned in RFC 920), created in January 1985. It was initially intended for use by network oriented entities such as Internet service providers. Currently, there are no formal restrictions on who can register a .net domain name. Therefore, while still popular with network operators, it is often treated as a second .com by many.
Incidentally, "net" is a romanisation of the Russian word нет ("no", also commonly romanised as the more acoustically appropriate "nyet"), and a domain name like "object.net" can be interpreted as "there is no object". Some domains exploit this pun, for example mozga.net (brain absent) or putina.net (there is no Vladimir Putin).
Some online poker or other gambling sites operate real-money games at a .com address and games without actual stakes (promoted as being for fun or education) at the same name in .net. This can be used to get around legal issues regarding the advertising of online gambling, since the .net site can be promoted legally, but such promotion helps make people aware of the name of the real-money site even in jurisdictions where such things are of questionable legality.
Operation of .net from 2005
VeriSign, the operator of .net after acquiring Network Solutions, had its operational contract expire on June 30, 2005. ICANN, the organisation responsible for domain management, sought proposals from organisations to operate it for at least six years beyond that date.
External links
Template:GTLDbg:.net cs:.net da:.net es:.net ja:.net pl:.net ru:.net