A Top Level Domain, or TLD, is the suffix that follows the main part of a web address. It represents the highest tier in the Domain Name System hierarchy and plays an important role in the structure and registration of domain names. This guide will explain more about TLDs and how they work.
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How TLDs Work
When visitors type a domain name like “amazon.com” into their browser’s search bar, the DNS servers initiate a search process by interacting with the TLD server.
Since the extension in this case is “.com,” the DNS server communicates with the “.com” TLD server. This interaction is important because this server contains information about the domain’s IP address.
The “.com” TLD server then provides the IP address of the Amazon.com hosting server. With this IP address, the browser can connect to the hosting server, allowing the user to access the website.
This process ensures that the person who enters the domain name gets directed to the correct IP address to display the desired web page.
Types of Top Level Domains (TLDs)
A URL, or Uniform Resource Locator, is the web address used to access websites on the Internet. For URLs like www.domains.co.za, the TLD is the suffix: ‘.co.za’.
There are several types of Top Level Domains. Each TLD belongs to a specific group, encompassing various categories to help classify and communicate the purpose of the domain names they are part of.
Generic Top Level Domain (gTLD)
These TLDs are the most broadly used and can be a good match for most types of websites. They typically have three or more letters. Some of the most recognisable domain names have extensions that fall under the category of generic top-level domains (gTLDs), with .com being the most sought-after and widely used domain extension globally.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) oversees their management. The official list of current and new gTLDs is available on ICANN’s website.
The most common uses of generic top-level domains include but aren’t limited to:
- .com – Commercial enterprises
- .org – Organisations, charities, and NPOs
- .net – Tech and network-related sites
- .gov – Governmental agencies
- .edu – Educational institutions
Country Code Top Level Domain (ccTLD)
These two-letter TLDs are mostly based on the ISO 3166 code for particular countries, territories, and sovereign states. ICANN delegates ccTLD administration and management of these domains to specific organizations or authorities in each country or territory. Like gTLDs, you visit ICANN’s official catalog to see the entire list of ccTLDs available.
While almost anyone can register a gTLD, ccTLDs can be harder to register if you are not a citizen or have ties to a particular country. Some top-level domain examples for country codes include:
- .za – South Africa
- .us – United States
- .uk – United Kingdom
- .au – Australia
- .de – Germany
- .fi – Finland
- .fr – France
- .jp – Japan
How to Choose and Register Your Domain Name
VIDEO: How to Choose & Register the PERFECT Domain Name
Additional Information
Geographic Top Level Domain (geoTLD)
These Top-Level Domains, considered an unofficial group, are closely associated with places, languages, and cultures, indicating geographic affiliations.
They highlight the connection between a domain name and a specific region or cultural identity helping to classify and communicate their regional significance for the websitre they are being used for. For instance, domains like .joburg or .africa reflect their geographic ties.
As they are technically gTLDs, ICANN maintains a list that includes these geographically linked domains.
