Problems, Goals and a Fix for Domain Names

This set of essays offers a detailed look at the problems behind the internet Domain Name Service (DNS). It includes an analysis of the problem, an examination of the goals people have for DNS, and a solution to the question of how to design a working naming system for the internet.

Note: Most of these essays were written in 2001 or earlier and so some are out of date, but many of the points remain valid.

The New Articles

• How ICANN's new gTLDs are like selling monopolies on English Words
• Problems with Vanity TLDs like .IBM for Corporations.

The Older Articles

• How to fix DNS -- this is it, the main essay -- Break up ICANN!
• The goals people have for DNS
• A little about how DNS works and why ICANN has no legal power.
• How the replacement for ICANN can exist independent of any legal jurisdiction.
• Why having no root doesn't work.
• Why generic TLDs are a bad idea.
• Examples of TLDs that are valid and invalid.
• Problems with other proposed solutions.
• Some Q&A about the new system.
• Duties of the new simplified replacement for ICANN.
• Executive Summary