Root Server Operator

The Root Server Operator's primary role is to make sure that the operations of the Root Server System (RSS) is always accurate, available, reliable and secure.

Root Server Operators

There are twelve Root Server Operators in the database of the root zone, which include:

A/J - Verisign, Inc.

B - University of Southern California – Information Sciences Institute

C - Cogent Communications

D - University of Maryland

E - NASA (Ames Research Center)

F - Internet Systems Consortium Inc.

G - US Department of Defense (NIC)

H - US Army (Research Lab)

I - Netnod

K - RIPE NCC

L - ICANN

M - WIDE Project

Guiding Principles

1. To remain a global network, the Internet requires a globally unique public namespace.
2. IANA is the source of DNS root data.
3. The RSS must be a stable, reliable, and resilient platform for the DNS service to all users.
4. Diversity of the root server operations is a strength of the overall system.
5. Architectural changes should result from technical evolution and demonstrated technical need.
6. The IETF defines technical operation of the DNS protocol.
7. RSOs must operate with integrity and an ethos demonstrating a commitment to the common good of the Internet.
8. RSOs must be transparent.
9. RSOs must collaborate and engage with their stakeholder community.
10. RSOs must be autonomous and independent.
11. RSOs must be neutral and impartial.

Internet Assigned Numbers Authority

Internet Engineering Task Force