Knowledge Base

What is a Domain Name and How Does it Work?

A domain name is the address of a website or other online resource on the internet. It allows people to use an easy-to-remember name instead of complex IP addresses. For example, "google.com" is a domain name. When you type this domain name into your browser, your browser translates this domain name into an IP address and directs you to Google's servers.

The basic components of a domain name are:

• Second-Level Domain (SLD): This is the main part of the domain name. For example, "google" is the second-level domain.
• Top-Level Domain (TLD): This is the extension at the end of the domain name. For example, ".com", ".org", ".net", etc.

Domain Name System (DNS): This is a distributed database system that translates domain names into IP addresses. When you type a domain name into your browser, DNS servers resolve this domain name to the corresponding IP address and direct you to the correct server.

Important Note: When a domain name is registered, it is allocated to you for a specific period (usually between 1 and 10 years). At the end of this period, you need to renew the domain name, otherwise it may be registered by someone else.

Choosing a domain name is critical to the success of your website. Be sure to choose a domain name that is memorable, easy to spell, and reflects your brand. For example, you can find more information on this topic on our Domain Name Services page.

How to Generate a Domain Name?

Generating a domain name is a process that requires creativity and strategic thinking. Here are the steps you can follow in the domain name generation process:

1. Define Your Target Audience and Brand: It is important that your domain name appeals to your target audience and reflects your brand. Consider words or phrases that represent your brand's values, products, or services.
2. Conduct Keyword Research: Identify keywords related to your website. These keywords can help you rank better in search engines by being included in your domain name. You can use tools like Google Keyword Planner to conduct keyword research.
3. Brainstorm: Generate different domain name ideas using the keywords you have identified and words related to your brand. Try to find creative and memorable names.
4. Use Domain Name Generators: Domain name generators automatically provide different domain name suggestions using your keywords. You can use tools like Namecheap, Domainr.
5. Check Availability: Check the availability of the domain name ideas you have found. Research whether the domain name is registered and whether it is available on social media platforms.
6. Test Memorability and Spelling: Test whether the domain name you have chosen is easy to remember and spelled correctly. Get feedback from friends or colleagues.
7. Consider Brand Protection: Implement brand protection strategies to prevent the registration of similar domain names. You can register different top-level domain names (such as .com, .net, .org).

Example Case: Suppose you are looking for a domain name for an online bookstore. Your keywords might be "book", "online", "sale". Using these words, you can generate ideas such as "onlinebook.com", "booksale.net". You can also consider a domain name that includes your brand name (for example, "bookland.com").

What is a Domain Name Provider (Registrar)?

Domain name providers (registrars) are companies that allow you to register and manage domain names. They are accredited by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) and ensure the proper functioning of the domain name system (DNS). When you register your domain name, the registrar records this information in a central database (WHOIS).

Factors to consider when choosing a domain name provider:

• Price: Different providers may offer different prices. However, consider not only the cheapest option but also the services provided.
• Services: It is important that they offer services such as domain name registration, DNS management, and WHOIS privacy.
• Customer Support: It is important to be able to receive fast and effective customer support when you have problems.
• Ease of Use: The domain name management panel should be easy to use.

Popular Domain Name Providers:

• Namecheap
• GoDaddy
• Google Domains
• Eka Sunucu

Step-by-Step Domain Name Registration:

1. Choose a domain name provider.
2. Go to their website and create an account.
3. Type the domain name you want to register into the search box.
4. Check if the domain name is available.
5. If available, add the domain name to your cart.
6. Enter the required information (your name, address, contact information).
7. Make the payment.
8. Log in to the control panel provided to you to manage your domain name.

Important Note: WHOIS privacy prevents your personal information (your name, address, phone number) from appearing in the WHOIS database. This can help protect you from spam and other unwanted communications. Most providers offer this service for an additional fee.

What is ICANN and What Does It Do?

ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) is a non-profit organization responsible for the technical management of the Internet's core infrastructure. In particular, it coordinates resources such as the domain name system (DNS), IP addresses, and protocol numbers. ICANN develops and implements policies to ensure the stable and secure operation of the Internet. ICANN's main tasks include:

• Managing the Domain Name System: ICANN oversees the management of top-level domains (TLDs) and country code top-level domains (ccTLDs). The creation of new TLDs and the management of existing TLDs are ICANN's responsibility.
• Allocating IP Addresses: ICANN allocates IP address blocks to regional internet registries (RIRs). The RIRs then distribute these addresses to internet service providers (ISPs) and other organizations.
• Managing Protocol Numbers: ICANN manages the numbers used in internet protocols (e.g., port numbers). The coordination of these numbers ensures that different internet applications and devices can work together.
• Developing Policy: ICANN contributes to the development of policies related to the management of the internet. These policies cover issues such as domain name dispute resolution, management of WHOIS data, and other important topics.

ICANN operates with a multi-stakeholder model. Governments, the private sector, the technical community, and civil society organizations participate in ICANN's decision-making processes. This model aims to ensure that the internet is managed globally and openly.

Importance of ICANN: ICANN contributes to the growth and development of the internet by ensuring that the internet's basic infrastructure operates stably and securely. In a world without ICANN, the domain name system would not function properly, IP addresses would conflict, and the use of the internet would become difficult.

Example: When a country wants to create a new top-level domain (such as .tr), it must apply to ICANN. ICANN evaluates the application and, if it deems it appropriate, allows the creation of the new TLD.

What is a Top-Level Domain (TLD) and What are its Types?

A top-level domain (TLD) is the extension at the end of a domain name. For example, ".com", ".org", ".net", ".gov", etc. TLDs are used to categorize domain names and provide internet users with information about the type of website.

The main categories of TLDs are:

• Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs): These TLDs are not tied to a specific geographic region or organization. The most common gTLDs include:
  • .com: Intended for commercial organizations.
  • .org: Intended for non-profit organizations.
  • .net: Intended for network infrastructure providers.
  • .info: Intended for informational websites.
  • .biz: Intended for businesses.
• Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs): These TLDs represent a specific country or region. For example:
  • .tr: Turkey
  • .us: United States
  • .uk: United Kingdom
  • .de: Germany
  • .fr: France
• Sponsored Top-Level Domains (sTLDs): These TLDs are sponsored and managed by a specific community or organization. For example:
  • .gov: United States government
  • .edu: Educational institutions
  • .mil: United States military

New TLDs: ICANN has allowed the creation of new gTLDs in recent years. These new TLDs can represent specific industries, interests, or brands. For example: ".app", ".music", ".blog", etc.

TLD Selection: The choice of TLD depends on the purpose of your website and your target audience. If you have a commercial website, ".com" may be the most appropriate option. If you are a non-profit organization, ".org" may be more suitable. If you have a website targeting a specific country or region, you can use the relevant ccTLD.

Important Note: While the TLD does not directly affect SEO (Search Engine Optimization), it can help users learn about the type of website you have. Also, some search engines may rank certain ccTLDs higher in specific countries.

Domain Name Disputes and Solutions

Domain name disputes arise when a domain name infringes on someone else's trademark or other rights. Such disputes are often caused by cybersquatting or typosquatting.

• Cybersquatting: Registering a domain name that contains someone else's trademark or well-known name in order to demand money from that person.
• Typosquatting: Registering a typographical error version of a popular website's domain name. The aim is to get users to accidentally visit this domain name and generate advertising revenue.

Domain Name Dispute Resolution Methods:

1. Negotiation: The parties to the dispute may try to reach a solution through direct negotiation.
2. Mediation: An attempt can be made to reach a solution with the help of a neutral third party (mediator).
3. Arbitration: The dispute is taken to an impartial arbitrator, who makes a decision.
4. Legal Action: The dispute is taken to court, and the court makes a decision.

UDRP (Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy): It is an arbitration mechanism developed by ICANN and used for the resolution of domain name disputes. UDRP enables trademark owners to protect their rights quickly and effectively in cases of domain name grabbing. In the UDRP process, a panel of arbitrators decides whether the domain name infringes the trademark. If there is an infringement, it may be decided that the domain name be transferred to the trademark owner.

UDRP Process:

1. The trademark owner prepares a UDRP complaint and submits it to an arbitration provider (e.g., WIPO or National Arbitration Forum).
2. The arbitration provider forwards the complaint to the domain name owner.
3. The domain name owner responds to the complaint.
4. The panel of arbitrators evaluates the complaint and the response and makes a decision.

Example Case: If a person registers the domain name "adidass.com" instead of "adidas.com" and sells counterfeits of Adidas products on this domain name, Adidas can initiate the UDRP process to have this domain name transferred to them.

Important Note: To prevent domain name disputes, register your trademark and monitor your domain name regularly. Also, you can ensure the protection of your personal information by enabling WHOIS privacy when registering your domain name.