On Tue, 4 Dec 2001 16:30:36 +1100, Kenneth Brownsmith wrote:

> I know this isn't .au discussion but I am sure someone here will know the
> answer to this:
>
> I see www.new.net and notice lots and lots of nice new domain endings, to my
> surprise (sarcasm), these people seem to be a ICANN .. competitor, as such.
>
> Anyone know how they do this ?   and get away with it ?

Hi Kenneth

You have come across one of the most interesting issues in the domain name
system (or DNS).  Without getting into too much technical detail, the highest
level of the DNS is known as the "root".  In simple terms, there is a single
root server which holds a file of all of the extensions you can use.  This is
known as a "zone file" and the extensions are known as "top level domains".
Examples of these extensions include .com, .net and .org (generic or global
TLDs) and .au, .fr and .nz (country code TLDs).  There are multiple root
servers to ensure a high level of security.

The system works because your ISP has a "name server" which points to a
"root server".  For people in Australia, the nearest root server is in Japan.

Perhaps surprisingly for some, it is technically possible, in fact very easy,
for a name server to point to a root server which is not under ICANN's
control.  These are known as "alternate roots" or "inclusive roots" and there
are quite a few of them around.  Of course, the zone file may incorporate
different data than the official ICANN version.  It may even include a .xxx
or other unusual extension.

As the internet is a "network" there is nothing that ICANN can do to stop a
name server pointing to a different, or alternate, root server.  Thus people
like NewNet are spending vast amounts of money to persuade ISPs to point
in their direction.  Should an ISP do that, all of that ISPs traffic will be
effectively diverted away from ICANN and towards NewNet.

Most of the time, the alternate roots include all of ICANN's data in their
zone file.  However, problems may arise with top level domains which do not
coincide between the "official" and "alternate" roots.  In that case, your
domain name inquiry may resolve to a different location depending on which
system you have used.  Such an clash (also known as a "collider") has occurred
with the new gTLD called .biz.  This is claimed by both types of root.

It is worth noting that there is a piece of sotware, called a "plug in", that
each
consumer can attach to their own PC to short cut the process.  What this does
basically is reconfigure part of your computer to recognise alternate roots.

You don't need the plug in providing you use an ISP who is sympathetic
to the alternate roots.  Unfortunately for the alt roots, very few ISPs want
to go to the trouble.  That means the "alts" are unlikely to make much money.

What can ICANN do?  Try to persuade the nasty alt root people to go away.

Best regards
Patrick Corliss
_________________________________________________________
I'm on the Board of auDA (the .au country code) as well as TLDA (the Top
Level Domain Association).   Please note that anything I write is my own
personal opinion and does not necessarily reflect the views of any body
with which I am associated.  Please also note IANAL (I Am Not A Lawyer).














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