Having a website presence today has become essential for many businesses today. Therefore, domain names have become crucial for the vitality of many businesses today. Currently, it is nearly impossible to register your domain without seeing some kind of reference made to either ICANN or Internic. Even so, many are unaware that each company originates from the same roots. In any case, what does it all mean?

Who is ICANN?

The acronym ICANN refers to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. Ultimately, they have the responsibility administration over the Domain Name system (DNS). Therefore, ICANN ensures that each of the domain names registered are unique.

Furthermore, they make sure that no one else has purchased them other than the individual or entity who has claimed purchase of the domain name. Moreover, ICANN has the responsibility of supervising and controlling the unique distribution of each domains unique IP address. One of the ways they fulfill this responsibility is through working with a number of hosting companies in which assign IP addresses to consumers.

Another function of ICANN is to accredit the domain name registers. Whenever ICANN acknowledges a registrar's accreditation, the domain registrar then must follow a certain set of rules and standards. By doing this, ICANN ensures that each of the registers customers is receiving the same level of quality and assistance regardless of the domain register they choose.

How IP Assignment Works

Each of the hosting companies that work with ICANN purchase a certain number of IP addresses in which the hosting company assigns to each of their customers. Generally, when a shared server utilized several domain names may potentially share the same IP address.

Who is Internic?

ICANN operates Internic, which works to provide information to the public on domain name registrants. Therefore, each of the search requests made on a domain name on the Internic WHOIS server goes through the systems registered information. Each successful search result in turn displays the requested results. Each time a domain name registration occurs within the ICANN database, Internic then catalogues the information for the WHOIS server.

Furthermore, you can find a directory of domain registers within the Internic website as well. Although, this can prove helpful it also can prove difficult at the same time since there are thousands of registrars available. One of the benefits of using the Internic list relates to how it ensures the registrar you select is accredited, as well as conforms to ICANN's standards.

Additionally, you have the ability to report any registrar on the Internic website found failing to adhere to the standards set by ICANN. You can do this by filling out a form on the website. In addition, the form allows you to correct any inaccurate information found within your domain listing within the Internic database.

Free Domains vs Paid Domains

In general, free domains do not exist. People can easily find a sub domain free, but this does not allow them the possibility of creating a brand a domain name would. However, some services do allow people to have free hosting with a domain name registrations.

On the other hand, free domains are sometimes possible when you buy a hosting plan as well. In most cases, a business would never benefit from any type of unpaid domain names. However, they may benefit from one of the many packages available today.