Domain Allocation - Who Manages Internet Addresses?

The internet is a globally connected network accessible to all users. For the seamless interaction of domains, websites, and visitors, certain technical and organizational rules and protocols must be followed. But which organizations are involved in domain allocation? This guide explains:

Every computer needs a unique address to be accessible on the internet and communicate with other devices. This address can either be a domain like NAME.TLD or a numerical IP address. Depending on the Top-Level Domain (TLD), different institutions and organizations handle domain allocation, such as DENIC for .de domains. In contrast, the Réseaux IP Européens Network Coordination Centre (RIPE NCC), headquartered in Amsterdam, manages IP addresses for Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. A domain is almost always linked to an IP address, and these details are stored in a DNS (Domain Name System) nameserver. This allows a browser to retrieve the appropriate server for a .de domain, for example.

How Does Domain Allocation Work?

Any individual or legal entity can register a available domain for personal or third-party use. Available domains can be quickly and easily checked using a domain check tool, which combines the desired name with specific TLDs and shows its availability. Domain allocation is managed by TLD administrators, who commit to maintaining a TLD for approximately 15 years at their own expense. Many of these administrators, such as ICANN or DENIC (responsible for .de domains), operate as non-profit organizations. However, commercial companies or public-private partnerships can also manage sponsored domains (sTLDs) if they meet ICANN's requirements.

If a domain check identifies an available domain, it can be registered under the name of the applicant via a provider or web host. The process of domain allocation typically involves the following steps:

• The applicant identifies an available domain via a domain check
• The applicant submits a written, paid request to a provider
• The provider forwards the data to the registrar
• The TLD administrator verifies availability
• The TLD administrator records the registration in their database
• The provider informs the customer of the successful domain allocation
• The provider enables the customer to configure the domain further
• The customer has full control over the domain

A domain registration is always subject to fees and is valid for at least one year, with extensions up to 15 years possible. The costs depend primarily on the TLD and range from a few euros to several hundred euros per year. For example, .de domains start at around three euros for 12 months. Domain allocation costs vary widely among providers due to market competition. A domain check can help find a reasonable offer, although the cheapest option may not always be the best choice in the rapidly changing market.

What Are IP Addresses Used For, and Who Can Register Them?

Networks cannot use domains directly and rely on numerical IP addresses for internal communication. Since these numeric codes are not user-friendly, domains act as an intermediary between humans and networks. The older IPv4 system, introduced in the early 1980s, is gradually being replaced by IPv6, which supports a significantly larger number of addresses. Unlike domain allocation, IP addresses in Europe are centrally managed by RIPE NCC, which assigns them to organizations with extensive IT networks, such as internet providers, universities, and large corporations. These organizations allocate IP addresses for their infrastructure and customers. After a domain is allocated, the IP address of the server is used to configure the nameservers. Subsequent requests to a .de domain, for instance, are automatically resolved and directed to the appropriate computer.

Examples of Organizations Involved in Domain Allocation

• Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN): A non-profit organization based in California that coordinates domain names, the DNS, and IP address allocation.
• Verisign: A US-based company managing TLDs like .com and .net, making it one of the most influential registrars for generic TLDs.
• Public Interest Registry (PIR): A non-profit organization in Virginia, USA, responsible for the .org TLD.
• Afilias Limited: An internet service provider in Dublin, Ireland, managing the .info TLD.
• DENIC eG: A cooperative in Frankfurt, Germany, responsible for managing the .de TLD.
• SWITCH: A Swiss foundation managing the .ch and .li TLDs.
• nic.at GmbH: Based in Salzburg, Austria, it is the central registry for the .at TLD.