Whois: Difference between revisions
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==Whois protocol== | ==Whois protocol== | ||
The origin of Whois protocol is in the ARPANET NICNAME protocol which was developed based on NAME/FINGER Protocol (rpersented in [[RFC742]] from 1977). In 1982, within [[RFC812]] the NICNAME/WHOIS protocol was presented for the first time by [[Ken Harrenstien]] and [[Vic White]] from SRI International - Network Information Center. Even if he Whois was first used on the Network Control Program, its main use was eventually determined by the standardization of TCO/IP across the ARPNET and Internet. | The origin of Whois protocol is in the ARPANET NICNAME protocol which was developed based on NAME/FINGER Protocol (rpersented in [[RFC742]] from 1977). In 1982, within [[RFC812]] the NICNAME/WHOIS protocol was presented for the first time by [[Ken Harrenstien]] and [[Vic White]] from SRI International - Network Information Center. Even if he Whois was first used on the Network Control Program, its main use was eventually determined by the standardization of TCO/IP across the ARPNET and Internet. | ||
==Whois Replacements/Alternatives== | |||
Due to shortcomings of the protocol, various proposals exist to augment or replace it. Examples are [http://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc3981 Internet Registry Information Service (IRIS)] as well as the newer proposed IETF working group called [http://www.ietf.org/mail-archive/web/weirds/current/msg00231.html WHOIS-based Extensible Internet Registration Data Service (WEIRDS)] intended to develop a REST-based protocol. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 14:10, 15 December 2011
Whois is a TCP-based query/response protocol which is widely used for querying a database in order to determine the owner of a domain name, an IP address, or an autonomous system number on the Internet.[1]
Overview[edit | edit source]
Whois (pronounced as the phrase Who is) represents a protocol which is mainly used to used to find details and information about domain names, networks and hosts. The Whois records contain data referring to various organizations and contacts related to the domain names. The Whois protocols operate by means of a server where anyone is allowed to connect and create a query; the Whois server will then respond to this query and end the connection.[2]
Whois History[edit | edit source]
During the foundational period of the Internet the only organization which was responsible with the administration of domain name registrations was DARPA. As the Internet grew in the 1980s, the Whois system appeared with the purpose of administering and looking-up domain names, registrars, registrants and other resources which were related to the domain name registration. But at that time there was only the one organization registering domains, so the system acted as a centralized query-based server. Over time the number of gTLDs significantly increased, which led to complex networks of registrars and related associations; in response the Whois servers became stronger and less permissive.[3]
Whois Purpose[edit | edit source]
The Internet has become an essential key for commerce activities and a wide source of information for worldwide users; and the Whois represents a database where essential contact information is found and updated.[4] Apart from finding information about the domain name or executing the queries created on the server, the Whois also:
- Ensures support for security and stability over the Internet
- Determines a domain name's registration status
- Ensures restrictive use of information communication technology
- Enforces laws at national and international level under the guidance of authorities during investigations
- Protects intellectual property and trademarks
- Ensures the right support for organizations in combat against fraud while complying with relevant laws
Whois and ICANN[edit | edit source]
ICANN's requirements for registered domain names state that the extent of registration data collected in the moment of domain name registration can be accessed. That is, ICANN requires accredited registrars to collect and provide free public access, such as a Whois service, to information regarding the registered domain name and its nameservers and registrar, the date the domain was created and when its registration expires, and the contact information for the registered name holder, the technical contact, and the administrative contact.[5]
Whois protocol[edit | edit source]
The origin of Whois protocol is in the ARPANET NICNAME protocol which was developed based on NAME/FINGER Protocol (rpersented in RFC742 from 1977). In 1982, within RFC812 the NICNAME/WHOIS protocol was presented for the first time by Ken Harrenstien and Vic White from SRI International - Network Information Center. Even if he Whois was first used on the Network Control Program, its main use was eventually determined by the standardization of TCO/IP across the ARPNET and Internet.
Whois Replacements/Alternatives[edit | edit source]
Due to shortcomings of the protocol, various proposals exist to augment or replace it. Examples are Internet Registry Information Service (IRIS) as well as the newer proposed IETF working group called WHOIS-based Extensible Internet Registration Data Service (WEIRDS) intended to develop a REST-based protocol.