.net:
This article is about the top-level domain. For the Microsoft technology, see .NET Framework. For other uses, see NET. .net (network) is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) used on the Internet's Domain Name System. The .net gTLD is currently operated by VeriSign. Registrations are processed via accredited registrars and internationalized domain names are also accepted (see details).
.net is one of the original top-level domains (despite not being mentioned in RFC 920), created in January 1985. It was initially intended to be used only for the computers of network providers (such as Internet service providers). However, there are no formal restrictions on who can register a .net domain name. Therefore, while still popular with network operators, it is often treated as a second .com. It is currently the third most popular top-level domain, after .com and .de.[1]
In addition to being an abbreviation for "network", "net" is also a romanisation of the Russian word нет ("no" or "not", also commonly romanised as the more authentically pronounced "nyet"), and a domain name like "object.net" can be interpreted as "there is no object". Some domains exploit this fun, for example mozga.net (brain absent). Some online poker or other gambling sites operate real-money games at a .com address and games without actual stakes (promoted as being for fun or education) at the same name in .net. This can be used to get around legal issues regarding the advertising of online gambling in the United States, since the .net site can be promoted legally, but such promotion helps make people aware of the name of the real-money site even in jurisdictions where such things are of questionable legality.[citation needed]
[edit] Operation of .net from 2005
VeriSign, the operator of .net after acquiring Network Solutions, had its operational contract expire on June 30, 2005. ICANN, the organization responsible for domain management, sought proposals from organizations to operate it for at least six years beyond that date. VeriSign won the contract bid, and secured its control over the .net registry for another six years.
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