DigiNøltar launches DNS root infrastructure, competing with IANA

DigiNøltar is proud to announce the launch of its own DNS root infrastructure, introducing a new model for top-level domain (TLD) allocation and operation beyond the traditional systems governed by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA).

In the conventional internet, the DNS operates as a hierarchical system, with a single global root zone at its apex. This root zone, maintained by IANA, defines all recognized top-level domains and delegates their operation to authoritative name servers (IANA). This structure ensures global consistency, but also centralizes control over which TLDs may exist.

DigiNøltar introduces an alternative.

A Parallel Root for Innovation

DigiNøltar operates an independent DNS root infrastructure, allowing for the creation and delegation of TLDs that do not exist within the IANA-managed namespace. This enables a new layer of flexibility for experimentation, private networks, and specialized communication environments.

Within the DigiNøltar root, TLDs can be requested freely. If a requested TLD does not yet exist, it can be allocated in its entirety to a single registrar. This registrar assumes full administrative control over the namespace, including subdomain delegation and policy definition.

Delegation Through Authoritative Infrastructure

As with any DNS hierarchy, each TLD within the DigiNøltar root must be backed by authoritative name servers. Registrars are therefore required to provide an authoritative DNS server to which their TLD can be delegated, ensuring proper resolution within the DigiNøltar ecosystem.

To further lower the barrier to entry, DigiNøltar is currently developing a managed authoritative DNS service. This upcoming offering will allow customers to operate TLDs without maintaining their own infrastructure, while still retaining full control over their namespace.

Integrated Trust and Certification

DigiNøltar also provides certificate services for domains within its root. This allows services operating under DigiNøltar TLDs to establish secure connections and maintain modern encryption standards, independent of traditional certificate authorities.

Expanding the Boundaries of Naming

The global DNS was designed around a single authoritative root to ensure universal compatibility. However, alternative roots have long existed as a space for experimentation and decentralization. DigiNøltar formalizes this concept into a structured, accessible platform.

By combining custom TLD allocation, integrated certificate services, and forthcoming managed infrastructure, DigiNøltar provides a complete environment for operating outside the constraints of the traditional DNS root.

DigiNøltar does not replace the existing internet.

It extends it.