Explanation of Internet Domain Names

A domain name is not just a URL, and registering a domain name is not a way of obtaining Web hosting services or an alias URL for an existing Web site. An Internet domain is space (or potential space) on the Internet, and each domain has a unique numeric IP (Internet Protocol) address. For example, the ncsu.edu domain has the numeric IP addresses 152.1.x.y, 152.7.x.y, or 152.14.x.y and all the servers and services within the ncsu.edu domain must be associated with these IP address ranges if they are to be identified and found among the millions of other Internet domains.

Domain names like yahoo.com are easier to remember than numeric IP addresses. However, each fully qualified domain name (such as www.ncsu.edu) corresponds to a specific IP address. Domain names must be unique and officially registered so that the Internet Domain Name System (DNS) can match the name with the IP address. This IP address must be physically assigned to server software running on at least one computer in order for there to be an actual Internet presence. Some companies who register Internet domain names do offer Web hosting, e-mail, or ftp services; however registering a domain name and being given an IP address only gives you the right to create your own space on the Internet. It does not create the space or provide you any other Internet services.

If you already have a working Web site, then it already exists within an Internet domain. At NC State, all network hosts (all computers connected to the network) must be registered in the ncsu.edu domain unless exceptions are granted by the Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance and Information Systems or the Vice Provost for Information Technology. See Adminisrative Regulations -- Computer Use Section III, L.

Return to Domain Name Registration page.

NC State Network Operations Center, Room 116 Hillsborough Building, Box 7109 Raleigh, NC 27695-7109 support@ncstate.net Phone:919.513.9675 Fax:919.513.1893 Last modified February 9, 20001