Top-Level Domain – What it is and Which One to Choose

TLD is the abbreviation for Top Level Domain (TLD). In the domain name system hierarchy of the Internet, the TLD acquires the highest level. In the name space, the top-level domain names are installed in the root zone. Let us take an example of TLD in www[dot]yourwebsite.com; the TLD is “.com”.

Responsible organizations such as the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which is also in charge of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), and manages the majority of TLDs. Initially, the TLD space was bifurcated in three main groups such as Countries, Multi-organizations and Categories.

In the domain name system (DNS), a country is specified based on its ISO country code. However, due to the fast-paced growth of the Internet, there was a dire need for creating more and more generic TLDs.

Owing to this, the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) came up with the following distinguishing TLDs:

1. Country Code Top-Level Domain Names: These are two letter domains meant for territories or countries. With some historical exceptions, the code given to any country is based on its two-letter ISO 3166 code. When it comes to search engines, this is the most beneficial TLD as search engines give prime importance to web sites that possess the top level domain of the country from which the search is conducted. A country-specific TLD also proves beneficial when it comes to the inclusion of web sites in the country directories. This in turn increases the chances of the web site to rank higher in the results of Kamagra Soft search engines. The country-specific TLD also increases the buyer’s confidence levels as the buyer, by watching the TLD, considers the web site to be a local one.

2. Generic Top-Level Domain Names: These are TLDs comprised of three or more characters.

3. Infrastructure Top-Level Domain: This domain group comprises only one domain known as the Address and Routing Parameter Area (ARPA).

4. Sponsored Top-Level Domains: Private organizations or agencies set up the infrastructure for TLDs. The organizations dictate rules limiting the use of the TLDs, which are normally based on the community themes.

As recently as November 2009, an additional group of top level domains (TLDs) known as the internationalized domain name (IDN) was also set up for testing.

For better results, it is advisable for you to purchase both the country code TLD as well as the.com, as it can help you appeal to customers both nationally and at the international level.

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Category: Internet/Domain Names
Keywords: top level domain, TLD, web hosting,ICAAN, IANA,domain name system, DNS,country code TLD,generic TLD, infrastructure TLD,sponsored TLD

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