Frequently Used Domain Name Terms

The following definitions explain common terms used when registering and managing .VI domain names.

What is a Domain Name?

A Domain Name is a unique, human-readable Internet address, such as example.vi or example.com. Domain names make it easy for people to locate websites, email services, and other Internet resources without remembering numerical Internet Protocol (IP) addresses.

What is the .VI Domain?

The .VI domain is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for the United States Virgin Islands. It is administered by the VI REGISTRY, operated by Virgin Islands Public Telecommunications System, Inc. (VIPTS) through NIC.VI.

What is the Domain Name System (DNS)?

The Domain Name System (DNS) is the Internet’s global directory service. It translates Domain Names into the Internet Protocol (IP) addresses that computers use to locate websites, email servers, and other Internet services.

Without DNS, users would need to remember numerical IP addresses instead of easy-to-read Domain Names.

What is a Name Server?

A Name Server is a computer that stores the DNS records for a Domain Name.

When someone enters a Domain Name into a web browser or sends email to that domain, the Name Servers provide the information needed to locate the correct website, mail server, or other Internet service.

Most Domain Names require at least two authoritative Name Servers for reliability.

What does “Resolve” mean?

A Domain Name resolves when the Domain Name System successfully translates the Domain Name into the correct Internet Protocol (IP) address, allowing users to reach the intended website or Internet service.

What is an IP Address?

An Internet Protocol (IP) Address is the numerical address assigned to a device connected to the Internet.

Examples include:

• IPv4: 192.0.2.1
• IPv6: 2001:db8::1

The Domain Name System translates Domain Names into these addresses.

What is a Registrant?

The Registrant is the individual or legal entity that holds the legal right to use a registered Domain Name.

The Registrant is responsible for maintaining accurate registration information and complying with the Registration Agreement and Registry Policies.

What is an Administrative Contact?

The Administrative Contact is the individual authorized to manage the administrative aspects of a Domain Name registration, including updates to registration information and communications with the VI REGISTRY.

What is a Technical Contact?

The Technical Contact is the individual or organization responsible for the technical operation of a Domain Name, including DNS configuration and Name Server management.

What is a Billing Contact?

The Billing Contact is the person or organization responsible for payment of registration, renewal, transfer, and other applicable fees.

What is a Registry?

The VI REGISTRY maintains the authoritative database of all registered .VI Domain Names and operates the systems that publish the .VI zone to the global Domain Name System.

The Registry establishes registration policies, maintains the registry database, and provides the technical infrastructure necessary for the operation of the .VI domain.

What is a Registrar?

A Registrar is an organization authorized by a registry to register Domain Names on behalf of registrants.

At present, registrations for .VI Domain Names are administered directly by the VI REGISTRY, unless otherwise announced.

What is a Registry Policy?

Registry Policies are the operational, technical, and administrative rules published by the VI REGISTRY governing the registration and management of .VI Domain Names.

Registry Policies may include requirements relating to:

• Domain Name registration
• Technical standards
• DNS operation
• Security requirements
• Registration procedures
• Transfers
• Renewals
• DNS abuse mitigation

What is RDAP?

The Registration Data Access Protocol (RDAP) is the modern Internet standard for accessing Domain Name registration information.

RDAP replaces the traditional WHOIS service and provides standardized registration information while supporting modern security and privacy requirements.

What is WHOIS?

WHOIS is the legacy Internet protocol traditionally used to obtain registration information for Domain Names.

Many registries, including the VI REGISTRY, are transitioning to or supporting RDAP, which provides improved security, structured data, and better privacy controls.

What is DNSSEC?

Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) add cryptographic signatures to DNS information, allowing Internet users to verify that DNS responses are authentic and have not been altered.

DNSSEC helps protect against certain forms of Internet attacks, including DNS spoofing and cache poisoning.

What is a Zone File?

A Zone File contains the DNS records for a Domain Name or top-level domain. These records tell the Internet where websites, email services, and other Internet resources are located.

What is a DNS Record?

A DNS Record is an individual entry within a Zone File that provides information about a Domain Name.

Common DNS record types include:

• A Record - Maps a Domain Name to an IPv4 address.
• AAAA Record - Maps a Domain Name to an IPv6 address.
• MX Record - Specifies the mail server responsible for receiving email.
• CNAME Record - Creates an alias from one Domain Name to another.
• TXT Record - Stores text information used for email authentication, verification, and other Internet services.
• NS Record - Identifies the authoritative Name Servers for a Domain Name.

What is a NIC Handle?

If issued by the VI REGISTRY, a NIC Handle is a unique identifier assigned to a registrant or contact record to simplify the management of multiple Domain Name registrations.

Most registrants will not need to reference their NIC Handle unless instructed by the VI REGISTRY.

What is a Premium Domain Name?

A Premium Domain Name is a Domain Name designated by the VI REGISTRY as having enhanced commercial, geographic, or strategic value.

Premium Domain Names may be subject to different registration fees, renewal fees, or registration requirements than standard Domain Names.

What is a Grace Period?

A Grace Period is the period immediately following the expiration of a Domain Name during which the Registrant may renew the registration before additional redemption procedures apply.

What is a Redemption Period?

A Redemption Period is the period following the Grace Period during which an expired Domain Name may still be restored upon payment of the applicable restoration fees, subject to Registry Policies.

Once the Redemption Period expires, the Domain Name may become available for registration by another applicant.

What is DNS Abuse?

DNS Abuse generally includes activities that misuse the Domain Name System, including:

• Malware distribution
• Phishing
• Botnet command and control
• Spam supported by DNS infrastructure
• Pharming
• Other activities that threaten the security or stability of the DNS

The VI REGISTRY may investigate and take appropriate action in accordance with its Registration Agreement and Registry Policies.

Need Assistance?

If you have questions regarding Domain Name registration or any of the terms described above, please contact the VI REGISTRY at support@nic.vi.