What Are Blockchain Domains and How Do They Work? — Techslang (2024)

Cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are blockchain-based products that are becoming household names. Blockchain domains are joining these terms, with people increasingly becoming interested. But what are they?

The online real estate market has so far encompassed domain names. People and businesses building their online presence need domain names to host their web pages. They either register the domain through a registrar or purchase it from its current owner. With the growing interest in technology built on decentralized networks, we often hear about blockchain domains.

What Are Blockchain Domains?

Blockchain domains are domain names that operate and are stored in a decentralized network or a blockchain. They reside on the same technology as cryptocurrencies and NFTs. Therefore, they are transparent, incorruptible, secure, and free from the control of a central authority.

Like traditional domains, blockchain domains comprise human-readable text strings separated by a period from the domain ending or top-level domain (TLD).

What Are Examples of Blockchain Domain Endings?

Instead of the usual TLDs we see like .com, .org, .info, and .xyz, blockchain domains use the following TLDs:

  • .888
  • .bitcoin
  • .blockchain
  • .coin
  • .crypto
  • .dao
  • .nft
  • .wallet
  • .x
  • .zil

More TLDs could be added in the future as blockchain domains become more popular and in demand.

How Do Blockchain Domains Work?

Blockchain domains are conceptually the same as regular or traditional domains. However, instead of connecting to an Internet Protocol (IP) address, blockchain domains need blockchain addresses. Here’s a simplified explanation of how blockchain domains work.

You purchase blockchain domains from service providers, such as Unstoppable Domains, Ethereum Name Service (ENS), and Trust Domains. The provider issues an NFT, which serves as your proof of ownership, much like a land title.

The blockchain domain would then be connected to a blockchain address, usually the owner’s crypto wallet. The owner can then point the blockchain domain to a website on the blockchain network or the traditional Internet.

How Can You Use Blockchain Domains?

The primary purpose of blockchain domains is to have a human-readable name for long cryptocurrency wallet addresses. It’s the same as traditional domains. Instead of memorizing the IP addresses of websites, you only have to memorize domain names.

Blockchain domains can also be used as addresses for decentralized websites. Owners can even build applications on blockchain domains. In addition, owners can use the domains as usernames for applications that enable users to log in using their crypto wallets. It’s similar to logging in with our email addresses on multiple platforms.

Threat actors and brand abusers have also found lucrative uses for blockchain domains. They can host malicious content on the domains without fear of them being taken down. For instance, they can buy blockchain domains that imitate famous brands.

What Are the Differences between Blockchain Domains and Regular Domains?

We talked about how blockchain domains need crypto wallets as blockchain addresses while traditional domains require IP addresses to work. There are more differences between these two types of domains, including those identified below.

Ownership

For traditional domains, registrars like GoDaddy and Namecheap serve as custodians. They have the power to suspend or take away domains in case of breach of contract or nonrenewal. As such, nobody truly has complete ownership of any of the domains they buy.

On the other hand, when you buy a blockchain domain, you own the domain forever. There’s no need to pay a renewal fee.

Administration

Traditional domain names are under the control of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). As such, there are specific guidelines to follow. But since blockchain domains are on a decentralized network, owners have full control over them.

They can host content that is otherwise censored on regular domains. Owners can transfer their blockchain domains to anyone without going through registrars and registries.

Storage

Blockchain domains reside in blockchain networks. For example, blockchain domains ending in .eth live in the Ethereum blockchain once purchased. On the other hand, traditional domains are stored in Domain Name System (DNS) servers.

Blockchain domains continue to gain popularity among blockchain enthusiasts. Some have legitimate reasons, while others may have nefarious intentions.

More from Techslang...

What Are Blockchain Domains and How Do They Work? — Techslang (2024)

FAQs

What are the domains of blockchain? ›

A blockchain domain is a Web 3.0 digital identity that humans can easily read and memorize. Therefore, it is an address, just like an ordinary domain name. However, cryptodomains do not belong to the Domain Name System (DNS).

What are Blockchains and how do they work? ›

Blockchain technology is a structure that stores transactional records, also known as the block, of the public in several databases, known as the “chain,” in a network connected through peer-to-peer nodes. Typically, this storage is referred to as a 'digital ledger.'

What is blockchain and how does it work for dummies? ›

Blockchain is a shared, immutable ledger that facilitates the process of recording transactions and tracking assets in a business network. An asset can be tangible (a house, car, cash, land) or intangible (intellectual property, patents, copyrights, branding).

How does blockchain DNS work? ›

One key function of a Blockchain DNS is to maintain secure and immutable records of domain name registrations and transactions. Because each transaction is recorded on the blockchain and validated by the network, the records are tamper-proof and can't be altered retroactively.

What is an example of a blockchain domain? ›

One of the most popular blockchain domains is . crypto, which is maintained by Unstoppable Domains. The . crypto domain is built on the Ethereum blockchain and allows users to create a decentralized website that cannot be taken down or censored.

What are the 4 types of blockchain? ›

This blog delves into the four main types of blockchain—public, private, consortium, and hybrid—each with distinct advantages, drawbacks, and ideal use cases, highlighting their growing importance in the finance sector.

What is blockchain in simple words? ›

Blockchain is a type of shared database that differs from a typical database in the way it stores information; blockchains store data in blocks linked together via cryptography. Different types of information can be stored on a blockchain, but the most common use for transactions has been as a ledger.

How does blockchain works step by step? ›

Blockchain uses a multistep process that includes these five steps: An authorized participant inputs a transaction, which must be authenticated by the technology. That action creates a block that represents that specific transaction or data. The block is sent to every computer node in the network.

What is blockchain in a simple way? ›

Blockchain technology is an advanced database mechanism that allows transparent information sharing within a business network. A blockchain database stores data in blocks that are linked together in a chain.

Can a blockchain be hacked? ›

Each newly created block makes it more secure. An existing blockchain, therefore, cannot be hacked in the traditional sense of "being hacked," where malicious code is introduced into the chain or someone "hacks" into the network with brute force and begins making changes or asserting control.

What is blockchain and how do you make money? ›

One of the most common ways to make money with blockchain is through cryptocurrency investments. Purchasing digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other altcoins at a lower price and selling them when their value increases can result in substantial profits.

How does blockchain work make money? ›

There are many ways that blockchain startups can make money. One way is to create a dApp and sell it through the blockchain network. Another way is to create a cryptocurrency and offer it for sale through the blockchain network. Another way is to mine cryptocurrencies and sell them through the blockchain network.

How does domain DNS work? ›

The Internet's DNS system works much like a phone book by managing the mapping between names and numbers. DNS servers translate requests for names into IP addresses, controlling which server an end user will reach when they type a domain name into their web browser. These requests are called queries.

How does DNS work simply? ›

DNS acts like a phonebook for the internet. Whenever people type domain names, like Fortinet.com or Yahoo.com, into the address bar of web browsers, the DNS finds the right IP address. The site's IP address is what directs the device to go to the correct place to access the site's data.

How does blockchain technology works in Internet of Things domain? ›

An IoT-enabled blockchain can store the temperatures, position, arrival times and status of shipping containers as they move. Immutable blockchain transactions help ensure that all parties can trust the data and act decisively to move products quickly and efficiently.

What are the 5 elements of blockchain technology? ›

True blockchain has five elements: Distribution, encryption, immutability, tokenization and decentralization.

What are the three major areas for blockchain? ›

But blockchain uses the three principles of cryptography, decentralization, and consensus to create a highly secure underlying software system that is nearly impossible to tamper with. There is no single point of failure, and a single user cannot change the transaction records.

What is the best blockchain domain? ›

Top 10 Crypto Domain Name Provider Websites 2023; Here's the List
  • Crypto Domain Name Provider Websites 2023.
  • ENS.
  • Unstoppable Domains.
  • PeerName.
  • Stacks.
  • Diode.
  • RIF.
  • Emercoin.
Dec 6, 2023

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