Previously, we discussed moving from Web2.0 to Web3.0 and briefly introduced the concept of decentralized domains and their basic utilities. For this post, we will dive deeper into its functionality, the differences with the classic web2.0 domains, and how it will appear prominent in future developments of the internet.
DNS Domains
The DNS (Domain Name System) is the hierarchical organization of domain names operated by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), which holds responsibility for translating human-readable addresses to computer-friendly Internet protocol (IP) addresses.
It essentially allows us to connect to websites without having to memorize a string of digits, such as IPv4’s 104.239.197.100, or with IPv6, with even more complex alphanumeric addresses, like 2002:db8::8a3f:362:7897. It enables a single server to provide different web pages based on the domain name requested on your browser.
Hence, with DNS we are no longer required to complicate ourselves by simply searching for website names in their own human-readable state.
Decentralized Domains vs DNS Domains
Decentralized domain names are built on a public chain — viewable and accessible by all users on the network. Similarly with DNS (though the order of operations is reversed), they work by converting addresses into easily remembered and recognized characters. For example, ENS is built on Ethereum and offers Ethereum domain names ending in .eth. One method to use these domains is as wallet addresses that convert a string of 42 digits into readable names set by the user.
Decentralized domain names include the following qualities in addition to the uniqueness, ease, and tradability of standard domain names.
Decentralized: Unlike DNS, which is centralized, decentralized domain names are run on the blockchain and feature non-codifiability and deletion properties.
Easier interaction with the blockchain: Domains can be used to connect wallets and streamline long processes. Such as DApps, which are integrating with decentralized domains. Users can connect to DApps and wallets using their domain name, which improves the user experience overall.
Security: Decentralized domain names can lessen the problem of server hacking or domain theft due to the security of the underlying public chain.
As an on-chain identity and brand symbol: For on-chain users, the decentralized domain name substitutes the wallet address as its main identity. On Oct. 8, ENS announced support for NFT avatars in profiles, which would be visible on DApps as well, furthering this aspect of on-chain personal branding.
Though, the functionality has its limitations:
Not natively integrated with mainstream browsers. Mainstream browsers aren’t natively integrated. Privacy browsers such as Opera and Brave have been integrated with other decentralized domain servers. However, major browsers (such as Chrome) do not yet support decentralized domains, so users will be unable to find the associated website simply by typing the domain name into their browser.
Restricted by chains. DAS is presently the only cross-chain domain name initiative, and the majority of cross-chain requirements remain unmet.
Unclear future. Rather than serving vital functions such as website functionality and content indexing, the domain name project simply serves as a mapping of addresses.
So What difference does EDNS (Ether Domain Name Services) make?
Similarly, to ENS and Unstoppable Domains, EDNS (Ether Domain Name Services) provides decentralized domains to users and helps to replace cryptocurrency addresses with human-readable names. Though the decentralized technology is at its infant stage and still non-applicable to the Web2.0 browsers widely used today — we provide not only Domains but the ability to store data within the domains no different to traditional websites, however benefiting under decentralized conditions. As simple as it may sound, the mechanism behind a functional decentralized domain is still at its conceptual stage. Many services are able to convert decentralized addresses to recognizable domain names but lack the storage to maintain the data. At a glance, it can only be put into human-readable customized domains but not enjoy the storage services like IPFS, Filecoin or Swarm, etc, Neither do they provide the ability to customize or host their own web — services provided from WordPress, Wix, or GoDaddy.
At EDNS, we provide decentralized technology built on smart contracts (autonomous operations), a secure chain, high reselling value at NFT domain markets, and offer solutions to the limitations of the domain services we face today. Web3.0 services are backward compatible with Web2.0 browsers, apps, and basic internet functionality. It is a revolution to the internet we know with increased flexibility maneuvering between decentralized and centralized networks.
Solely, with objectives to be all-rounded, we aim to be the first domain service on Polygon blockchain (Layer-2 scaling solution of Ethereum) to succeed in this medium. Aiming to commemorate and blend different elements into our domain services which are currently recognized separately in the market:
NFT Marketplace applications and creation
DeFI technology
Crypto Wallet integration and recognition
Metaverse ID
NFT address integration and recognition
GameFI
MusicFi
Web Hosting services
Our roadmap is to unite the services from Decentralized Wallets (Coinbase, Trust Wallet, Bitcoin.com etc), Browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, etc.), and DApps(OpenSea, Uniswap, Etherscan, etc.). And coalesce the utilities servicing traditional DNS (Versign, ICANN, GoDaddy, etc) — into one consolidated Domain provider that does all.
Envisioning as the ultimate provider for domains for users that want to join the Metaverse or seek more security. We not only prioritize independent users but also investors and business owners that wish to open work in Web3.0 as other SaaS or PaaS. We are open to vertical or horizontal integration in the future and collaborate with partners that see eye-to-eye as guidance and gateway for users joining the new internet.
References
2022. [online] Available at: <https://en.cryptonomist.ch/2022/02/12/what-decentralized-domain-names/> [Accessed 13 March 2022].
BlueCat Networks. 2022. What is DNS? The internet doesn’t work without it — BlueCat Networks. [online] Available at: <https://bluecatnetworks.com/glossary/what-is-dns/> [Accessed 13 March 2022].