ICANN Acronyms and Terms

The organization that maintains the master database (registry) of all domain names registered in a particular top-level domain (TLD). ROs receive requests from registrars to add, delete, or modify domain names, and they make the requested changes in the registry.

An RO also operates the TLD’s authoritative name servers and generates the zone file. This information enables recursive name servers across the Internet to translate domain names into Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, so devices on the Internet can connect to one another.

A service that a registry operator uses to notify ICANN when the registry operator changes its name.

An online tool that registry operators of generic top-level domains use to submit proposals for new registry services or for material changes to existing registry services.

A registry service provider provides one or more of the critical technical services necessary for the operation of a generic top-level domain (gTLD) in a manner that provides for the security and stability of the Internet's Domain Name System. RSPs are often referred to as the back-end or back-end provider for a gTLD registry operation.

A set of services that registry operators of generic top-level domains (gTLD) provide under their Registry Agreements with ICANN. To modify existing registry services or offer new registry services, gTLD registry operators must obtain approval from ICANN as outlined in the Registry Services Evaluation Policy.

A team of technical experts that help evaluate the security and stability impact of requests for new registry services.

A set of tests to determine whether a registry operator has the capacity to operate a new generic top-level domain in a stable and secure manner. The RST checks critical registry functions as described in the Registry Agreement. Testing requirements vary depending on the services a registry operator supports.

The formal process that ICANN follows when a contracted registry operator (RO) is replaced. ICANN uses the RTP when an RO terminates its Registry Agreement and a new RO takes over. It also uses the RTP in cases where an RO changes its name or is acquired by another company.

A contract between a registry operator and an ICANN-accredited registrar. This contract defines the terms under which a registrar agrees to perform domain name registration services for a designated generic top-level domain.

The process for consideration of proposed amendments to generic top-level domain (gTLD) Registry-Registrar Agreements (RRAs) where the registry operator is required to obtain the ICANN organization's approval of such amendments. This process is designed to ensure registrar input (and public input where appropriate) before the ICANN organization approves changes to an RRA.

A list of domain names, Uniform Resource Locators (URLs), or Internet Protocol (IP) addresses that are known security threats. Security systems throughout the Internet use RBLs to keep malicious or unwanted material from reaching victims. In addition to filtering out billions of incoming spam messages a day, RBLs block outgoing requests to malicious or disreputable IP addresses.

RBLs are created and maintained by commercial service providers, researchers, and public interest communities.

A document of record produced by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), the Internet Research Task Force (IRTF), or the Internet Architecture Board (IAB). When the IETF develops an Internet standard, the standard is published as an RFC. The IAB, IRTF, and IETF also use RFCs to publish best practices and informational material.

The Regional Internet Registry (RIR) that allocates Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.

A domain name that is not available for registration in a generic top-level domain (gTLD). Reserved names include:

• Names of country code top-level domains
• Names related to ICANN
• Names related to the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) functions (such as example)
• Names of countries and territories
• Names of international and intergovernmental organizations
• Names that a registry operator uses in operating the gTLD

The Registry Agreement defines the reserved names for a gTLD. The reserved names vary according to the gTLD.

See Security, Stability, and Resiliency.

A Domain Name System (DNS) server that resolves host names on behalf of Internet users and applications (clients). Distributed throughout the Internet, a resolver performs iterative queries, starting at the root zone, to obtain the Internet Protocol (IP) address of a host computer requested by a client. Resolvers typically cache their query results so they can quickly retrieve the IP addresses for host names they have already resolved.

An entry in a zone file that enables the Domain Name System to resolve the names of host servers within a domain. Types of RRs commonly found in a zone file are:

• NS records, which identify authoritative name servers for the domain itself and for any subdomains to which administrative authority has been delegated.
• MX records, which identify servers that handle email messages on behalf of the domain.
• A and AAAA records, which provide the IPv4 and IPv6 addresses (respectively) for a specified hostname.

A method for converting an Internet Protocol (IP) address into its corresponding domain name.

Periodic assessments mandated by the ICANN Bylaws that are critical for maintaining the health of the multistakeholder model. These mechanisms help ICANN determine the effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of its organizations (Organizational Reviews) and gauge its performance with respect to key commitments and core values (Specific Reviews).

The person or entity that maintains a set of rights to a particular property. With respect to policy development regarding domain names, the term rightsholder often refers to a person, entity, or designee (such as a licensee or assignee) that holds intellectual property rights on a specific trademark.