Whois: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
'''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.<ref>[http://www.domainpunch.com/articles/whois/whois.php Whois]</ref> | '''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.<ref>[http://www.domainpunch.com/articles/whois/whois.php Whois]</ref> | ||
==Whois History== | |||
During the period when the Internet had as main source ARPANET, the only organization which was responsible with the administration of domain name registrations was DARPA. Based on the standardization of [[RFC 920]], Whois appeared in the 1980's with the purpose to administer and look-up domain names, registrars, registrants and other resources which were related to the domain name registration. Over time, the Whois servers became stronger and less permissive. The number of [[gTLD]]s heavily increased which led to complex networks for registrars and related associations. <ref>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whois Whois History]</ref> | |||
== Whois Purpose== | == Whois Purpose== | ||
Revision as of 11:28, 22 February 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 period when the Internet had as main source ARPANET, the only organization which was responsible with the administration of domain name registrations was DARPA. Based on the standardization of RFC 920, Whois appeared in the 1980's with the purpose to administer and look-up domain names, registrars, registrants and other resources which were related to the domain name registration. Over time, the Whois servers became stronger and less permissive. The number of gTLDs heavily increased which led to complex networks for registrars and related associations. [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 the name domain and its 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. For instance, 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 for the first time presented by Ken Harrenstien and Vic White from SRI International - Network Information Center. Even if at first the Whois was used on the Network Control Program, its main use was set along with the standardization of TCO/IP across the ARPNET and Internet.