Did you know there are 33,000 domain name registries every day? That’s a 2.61-second new domain name with 13.5 characters in the average length of the name with a .com.
That’s awesome, but you know what’s even more awesome than that: asking a question, a query about how domain names work, where they come from, and what happened before and after purchasing a domain name.
In this article, we’re going to answer how domains work before and after a domain name. with the intention of assisting you in understanding and selecting the appropriate domain name for your website.
What is a Domain Name?
A domain name is a user-friendly web address, also known as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator). Its purpose is to simplify the use of IP (Internet Protocol) addresses, which are numeric identifiers assigned to computers. Unlike IP addresses, which consist of seemingly random numbers like 191.124.184.129, domain names, such as www.example.com, are designed to be easily memorable.
Think of an IP address like a phone number (hard to remember). In contrast, a domain name serves as a recognizable and memorable label for accessing websites. Essentially, it acts as a personalized online address for your presence on the Internet.
Much like a fingerprint, each domain name is unique to its owner. When someone enters your domain name into a web browser, they are directed straight to your designated space on the Internet, where they can explore your website.
How does Domain Name Work?
When you type a domain name into your web browser, it sends a request to a global network of servers known as the Domain Name System (DNS).
These servers locate the name servers or DNS servers linked to the domain and pass the request to them.
For instance, if your website is hosted on Nestify, the DNS records may include servers like:
ns1.nestify.com
ns2.nestify.com
These servers, managed by your hosting company, receive the request and forward it to the computer where your website is stored—known as a web server. This server runs special software like Apache or Nginx.
The web server then retrieves the web page and related information. Finally, it sends this data back to your browser, allowing you to view the requested web page.
Where does the Domain Name Come from (Before)?
The domain name system (DNS) is managed by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which was established in 1998. ICANN is responsible for coordinating the upkeep and administration of the DNS.
ICANN Responsibilities:
- Maintaining the DNS root zone.
- Approving new TLDs (top-level domains).
- Overseeing TLD operations and enforcing regulations.
- Coordinating IP address allocation.
Although ICANN doesn’t have absolute authority over the entire Internet, it possesses the capability to approve new extensions, oversee their operations, and terminate them if they violate ICANN’s established regulations. Essentially, ICANN ensures the smooth operation of the DNS and IP spaces that constitute the Internet’s infrastructure.
ICANN collaborates with entities known as registries, to whom control over various Top-level Domains (TLDs) like .com, .net, and .org is delegated. These Registries assume direct responsibility for managing specific extensions and controlling and maintaining the database of domains within their jurisdiction, accessible through the WHOIS tool.
Registries, in turn, may appoint Registrars—companies selling domain names to end customers.
What Happens After Registering a Domain?
Registering a domain is just the first step in getting your website online. After registration, you need to specify where your website will be hosted. This is done by changing the Domain Name System (DNS) settings.
DNS Change Process
DNS, or Domain Name System, directs users to the servers where each website is hosted. Without DNS, With DNS, we can remember complicated IP addresses instead of user-friendly domain names.
After registering a domain, you must change its default DNS settings to point to the server hosting your site. This allows you to use any hosting company, not just the one where you registered the domain.
If you registered both the domain and hosting with the same company, the DNS is likely set up already. Otherwise, you’ll need to update the DNS settings, which your hosting company will provide.
Domain Propagation
After changing DNS settings, the effect is brief due to how the DNS system works. DNS is a distributed system, and changes must be replicated across servers worldwide. This process, known as domain propagation, can take several hours.
The DNS update starts with the company where you registered the domain and then spreads globally. For example, if you change DNS with a company in the US, it may take up to 72 hours for the update to reach all DNS servers worldwide.
This delay in propagation can lead to interesting situations. Changing the DNS for a domain in the US may update faster for users in the US compared to users in other countries.
How can you Check if a domain has completed its propagation across the internet?
Typically, domain propagation takes around 24 to 72 hours. Just because you can access a domain doesn’t necessarily mean that its DNS propagation has concluded globally. While it might have propagated on your ISP’s DNS server, it might still be pending in other regions. Additionally, during the DNS update, the domain might experience intermittent accessibility.
To ascertain if a domain has fully propagated worldwide, using a tool is essential. One such tool is whatsmydns.net
By entering a domain in the search field, the tool queries multiple DNS servers globally and indicates whether the domain has been recorded on these servers or not.
To use the tool, simply input the domain in the search box and click Search, leaving the checkbox in position A for the IPv4 version of the server’s IP.
Conclusion
Understanding how a domain name functions, both before and after its purchase in 2024, is crucial for anyone navigating. Before acquisition, the domain is available for registration, and its accessibility is determined by the Domain Name System (DNS). Post-purchase, the domain undergoes a process known as propagation, during which its information spreads across DNS servers globally. This propagation can take up to 72 hours, leading to potential intermittent access during the update.
The process remains consistent with previous years, but advancements in DNS technology may contribute to faster propagation times. It is imperative for individuals and businesses to stay informed about these processes to manage their online presence effectively.
FAQs on Domain Name
1. What is the significance of a domain name in 2024?
A domain name serves as your digital identity on the internet, allowing users to find and access your website. It plays a crucial role in establishing an online presence for individuals and businesses alike.
2. How do I choose the right domain name?
Select a domain name that reflects your brand, is easy to remember, and aligns with your content or business. Consider factors like domain extension, relevance, and potential SEO impact.
3. What happens before a domain is purchased?
Before purchase, a domain is available for registration. The availability is determined by the Domain Name System (DNS), which translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses.
4. What changes occur after purchasing a domain in 2024?
Post-purchase, the domain undergoes a process known as propagation. During this period, the domain’s information spreads across DNS servers globally, allowing consistent access from various locations. Usually, this procedure takes a whole day or two.
