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==Overview==
==Overview==
The second domain level is the data directly before 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>
The second domain level 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.domainname.com, “domainname” represents the second level domain. Whereas the suffix "(dot)-com" represents the [[TLD]].  
For example, in www.domainname.com, “domainname” represents the second level domain. Whereas the suffix "(dot)-com" represents the [[TLD]].  


Usually, the SLD is determined and defined upon registration of a domain name. More than one SLD can function on the same IP Address.<ref>[http://help.godaddy.com/article/335 SLD Definition]</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>


Furthermore, a [[TLD]] can be separated into more SLDs; that is, second-level domains can be divided into sub-domains which could represent different computers within an organization or different aliases.
Furthermore, a [[TLD]] can be separated into more SLDs; that is, second-level domains can be divided into sub-domains which could represent different computers within an organization or different aliases.

Revision as of 09:47, 23 July 2011

The Second Level Domain, or SLD, is the portion of the URL that identifies the specific and unique owner. The SLD is the actual website's domain name.[1]

Overview[edit | edit source]

The second domain level is the data directly before the top-level domain TLD.[2] For example, in www.domainname.com, “domainname” represents the second level domain. Whereas the suffix "(dot)-com" represents the TLD.

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]

Furthermore, a TLD can be separated into more SLDs; that is, second-level domains can be divided into sub-domains which could represent different computers within an organization or different aliases.

There are also third-level domain names referred to as "provincial" domains, such as www.domainname.ab.com.

Valid Domain Names and SLDs[edit | edit source]

In order to register a domain name, the following features must be met:

  • It may not contain more than 67 characters, including the domain name extension (such as .com).
  • It must use valid characters, which 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.[4]

IDN[edit | edit source]

By means of the IDN system, the valid set of characters has been expanded to include names and words written in native scripts; in this way, the domain names can contain letters from non-ASCII scripts. The IDN fast track system was approved by ICANN in 2009, and was adopted by many registries that provide domain space.[5]

References[edit | edit source]