The entire basis of the Internet is the Internet Protocol (IP), used for communication between two or more computers or servers. Computers Computers connected to the Internet have unique numerical addresses called as IP addresses, so that the electronic information gets delivered to the right place on the Internet.

The format of an IP address is a 32-bit numeric address written as four numbers separated by periods. Each number can be zero to 255. For example, 1.160.10.240 could be an IP address.

Within an isolated network, one can assign IP addresses at random as long as each one is unique. However, connecting a private network to the Internet requires using registered IP addresses (called Internet addresses) to avoid duplicates.

Domain Names are the familiar, easy to recall names for the computers on the Internet. They are used generally as a convenient way for the human beings to locate information on the Internet. This is made possible with emergence of Domain Name System ( DNS), which translates these domain names to the IP addresses of the computers.

In other words, a domain name is the name of the computer, and includes the organization name, type of organization, and the country in which the organization is located. Thus, a domain name such as search.msn.co.in should map onto an IP address such as 207.46.176.53. Domain Names commonly form part of web site addresses (eg.http://www.msn.co.in/news) and e-mail addresses (eg. user@msn.co.in).

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is responsible for the administration of Top Level Domain Names. In assigning a domain, NSI (Network Solutions Inc.) uses a multi-level system, including a Top Level Domain (TLD) such as <.com>, <.net> and <org.>, which are considered worldwide “generic” TLDs, coupled with a Second Level Domain (SLD) requested by the party seeking the domain assignment. The third level sub domain provides the space for registering organization names or organization acronyms, eg. <iit.ernet.in>.

The first step to acquire the domain name is to contact the administrator of the Top Level Domain (TLD). If the identical requested domain name is not already assigned the name will be approved by the administrator.

The allocation of IP addresses and domain names worldwide is done centrally. There is a specific registration process involved. The IANA is the central Internet Authority that allocates IP addresses and domain names through the INTERNIC.

The .IN registry management and operations have now been entrusted with the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) www.nixi.org. IN Registry www.registry.in. is now the official registry .IN Registry. This registry does not carry out the functions itself instead it accredits registrars, which then accept registration requests from the end users. From December 30, 2004, C-DAC, Mumbai (formerly NCST) will no longer be accepting new registration requests.

From January 1, 2005, all new registrations are to be made through the accredited Registrars. Education and Research Network (ERNET) www.ernet.in/DNS/main.htm will be the exclusive Registrar for the ac.in, edu.in, and res.in domains. National Informatics Centre (NIC) will be the exclusive registrar for the gov.in domain www.registry.gov.in. Any of the accredited Registrars of .IN Registry www.registry.in/register/accredited_registrars can provide registration for the .in, co.in, net.in, org.in, firm.in, gen.in and ind.in domains.

Organisations/entities can apply for domains in the following categories: Domain Category Who can Apply co.in For Registered Companies/Trademarks/Banks ac.in For Academic Community res.in For Research Institutes gov.in For Government Organisations mil.in For Military Establishments net.in For Internet Service Providers org.in For Non-profit Organisations ind.in For Individuals gen.in For General/Miscellaneous Purpose

Currently two different types of TLDs exist: generic and geographic, the generic ones currently in use include .edu, . org, .com, .net, .gov, .mil, .int. Generic TLDs are international in nature, so only one of each exist in the entire world.

Geographical TLDs, on the other hand are country specific. A typical example is the TDL used for India, namely <.in>.