Whois
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
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
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
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
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
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 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.