Top-Level Domain

Acronym: Top Level Domain

The last part of a domain name, such as .com, .net, .us, etc.

Each TLD is managed by a single Registry.

There are different types of TLDs.

• GTLD
• STLD
• CCTLD

These TLDs operated in different manners, and can be categorized in some simple ways:

• Operating Mode
  • Open - Operating and offering both registration and resolution services.
  • Closed - Not Accepting registrations, may be resolving evergreen/legacy/infrastructure subdomains.
• Level of Restriction
  • Unrestricted - If there are no requirements that must be met in order to register a name under a TLD, that TLD is Unrestricted.
  • Restricted - Requiring Local Physical Address, Local Tax ID, or other specific criteria be met to qualify in order to provision a name.
  • Sponsored - A variation on Restricted, the applicant for a domain in an STLD must meet the requirements within that TLD (ie. .jobs would require that Human Resources be involved, .travel would require certain Travel criteria are met, etc).

• Also see Registries Constituency