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'''SLD''' is the acronym for '''Second Level Domain''' and represents the portion of the [[URL]] that identifies the specific and unique owner. The SLD is the actual website's domain name.<ref>[http://www.build-your-website.co.uk/choosing-domain-name-second-level.htm SLD]</ref>
The '''Second Level Domain''', or '''SLD''', is the data directly before the top-level domain ([[TLD]]).<ref>[http://www.giantgeek.com/blog/?p=97 What is a SLD]</ref> For example, in www.example.com, “example” represents the second level domain, as the suffix "(dot)-com" represents the [[TLD]]. The SLD is generally the portion of the [[URL]] that identifies the website's domain name.<ref>[http://www.build-your-website.co.uk/choosing-domain-name-second-level.htm SLD]</ref> Usually, the SLD is determined and defined upon registration of a domain name. More than one SLD can function on the same [[Internet Protocol|IP]] Address.<ref>[http://help.godaddy.com/article/335 SLD Definition]</ref>


==Overview==
The DNS is composed of a tree-like hierarchy. Each TLD includes many second-level domains (such as "example" in "www.example.com"); each second-level domain can include a number of third-level domains ("www" in "www.example.com"), and so on.
Simply put, the second domain level is the domain directly below the top-level domain ([[TLD]]). In the same way, the SLD represents the portion which is located exactly in the right part of the domain name extension. The SLD includes the [[TLD]] and helps during the identification process of a the owning organization of a specific [[URL]].<ref>[http://www.giantgeek.com/blog/?p=97 What is a SLD]</ref>
For example, in www.domainname.com, “domainname” represents the second level domain.  


Usually, the SLD is being determined and defined upon registration of a domain name. Within the same IP Address one can use more than one SLD. <ref>[http://help.godaddy.com/article/335 SLD Definition]</ref>
==2LDs==
===ccSLDs===
Some countries restrict the second level under their [[ccTLD]]. These countries require that the second-level domain be one of several pre-determined second-level domains, generally indicating what type of individual or organization may register under that SLD. For these countries, you are not permitted to register domain names under the top level domain. It must be registered under one of the pre-determined second-level domains, called a ccSLD, or Country Code Second Level Domain.<ref>[http://www.quackit.com/domain-names/second-level_domain_names.cfm Second-Level Domain Names, quack-it.com]</ref>


Furthermore, a [[TLD]] can bee separated into more SLDs. Registrants are advised to register the domain names within the necessary SLD which corresponds to the type of activity. However, second-level domains are being divided into sub-domains which can be even different computers within an organization or different aliases.  
An example of this would be .co.uk, where .uk is the (cc)TLD and .co is the (cc)SLD. In this circumstance, the domain name ("example" in "example.co.uk") would be considered the third level domain, as it is in the third position.<ref>[http://www.igoldrush.com/reference/domain-glossary/c/ccsld-country-code-second-level-domain iGoldrush Domain Glossary]</ref> This can become confusing, as the domain name is commonly equated with the second level domain, and the [[subdomain]] is commonly equated with the third level domain. In these circumstances, the third level domain is sometimes referred to as a '''functional SLD'''.<ref>[http://tools.ietf.org/html/draft-ietf-provreg-dn-defn-00 Domain Name and Related Definitions, ietf.org]</ref>
 
===Types of SLDs===
The SLD can be represented by short names or longer names - depending on each business needs. However, the short names are easier to remember. In the case of longer domain names, the best solution would be to choose representative keywords because the user will not type in the whole domain name, will most probably look for the most relevant keywords and then click a link.  
 
When determining the right SLD,one should know about:
* Second level domains which are directly managed
* Second level domains which are delegated to other organizations to manage <ref>[http://www.nominet.org.uk/registrants/aboutdomainnames/sld/ Types of SLD]</ref>
 
==Choosing the SLD==
In order to choose and determine the right domain name, besides choosing the [[TLD]] it is also important to carefully choose the SLD because this portion is the actual website domain name.  
Having this in mind, when choosing the SLD the following choices are available:
* Choosing a brandable name: either as an acronym or a synonym of a famous brand.
* Choosing a domain name based on a well rated keyword:  the keywords represent the best description of a specific product or a business.
* Choosing a domain names based on an already existent company or organization: a great solution for businesses which want to achieve and enjoy an Internet presence. Nowadays, a business success also depends on its Internet presence.
 
==Valid Domain Names and SLDs==
In order to register a domain name, the validity requirements must be met. In this way, a domain name is valid if it contains up to 67 characters including the domain name extension (such as .com). Valid characters are those between 0-9, letters a-z and dashes, but the dash "-" cannot be used at the beginning or at the end of a domain name. <ref>[http://www.build-your-website.co.uk/choosing-domain-name-second-level.htm Choosing the right Domain Name]</ref>


==References==
==References==
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[[Category: Glossary]]
[[Category: Glossary]]
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Latest revision as of 15:58, 7 January 2022

The Second Level Domain, or SLD, is the data directly before the top-level domain (TLD).[1] For example, in www.example.com, “example” represents the second level domain, as the suffix "(dot)-com" represents the TLD. The SLD is generally the portion of the URL that identifies the website's domain name.[2] Usually, the SLD is determined and defined upon registration of a domain name. More than one SLD can function on the same IP Address.[3]

The DNS is composed of a tree-like hierarchy. Each TLD includes many second-level domains (such as "example" in "www.example.com"); each second-level domain can include a number of third-level domains ("www" in "www.example.com"), and so on.

2LDs[edit | edit source]

ccSLDs[edit | edit source]

Some countries restrict the second level under their ccTLD. These countries require that the second-level domain be one of several pre-determined second-level domains, generally indicating what type of individual or organization may register under that SLD. For these countries, you are not permitted to register domain names under the top level domain. It must be registered under one of the pre-determined second-level domains, called a ccSLD, or Country Code Second Level Domain.[4]

An example of this would be .co.uk, where .uk is the (cc)TLD and .co is the (cc)SLD. In this circumstance, the domain name ("example" in "example.co.uk") would be considered the third level domain, as it is in the third position.[5] This can become confusing, as the domain name is commonly equated with the second level domain, and the subdomain is commonly equated with the third level domain. In these circumstances, the third level domain is sometimes referred to as a functional SLD.[6]

References[edit | edit source]