In the first round of new generic top-level domain (gTLD) application projects, “.网络” was one of the earliest Chinese new gTLDs applied for and incorporated into the root. It is managed and operated by the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC) and was officially written into the global Internet root domain name system on January 21, 2014.
Chinese domain names are a new generation of domain names that contain Chinese characters English domain names, serve as addresses on the Internet. Chinese domain names are a basic service on the Internet. After registration, they can provide application services such as WWW, Email, and FTP. The China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC) is responsible for the operation and management of four Chinese top-level domains ending with “.CN,” “.中国,” “.公司,” and “.网络.”
The registration management institutions for “.公司” and “.网络,” the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC), were established with the approval of the national competent authorities on June 3, 1997. As the builder and operator of China's information society infrastructure, CNNIC is committed to “providing services for Chinese Internet users and promoting the healthy and orderly development of China's Internet.” It is responsible for managing and maintaining China's Internet address system, developing China's Internet address industry, publishing statistics on China's Internet, and representing China in the international Internet community.
The Scarcity of the “.网络” Domain Name
1. Limited Quantity: Like other top-level domains (such as “.com” and “.org”), the number of “.网络” domain names that can be registered is finite. Once a specific domain name is registered, no one else can register the same name.
2. Market Demand: With the continuous development of the Internet industry and the increasing prevalence of online applications, more and more businesses and individuals are seeking to register domain names related to the Internet. This has led to a growing market demand for “.网络” domain names, thereby exacerbating their scarcity.
3. Brand Value: Some businesses and individuals may believe that a “.网络” domain name can enhance their brand recognition and online image. As a result, they are willing to pay a higher price to register or purchase a “.网络” domain name with significant brand value.
4. Registration Threshold: Although the registration threshold for “.网络” domain names is relatively low, it is still very difficult to register high-quality, memorable, and easy-to-pronounce domain names. This further intensifies the scarcity of “.网络” domain names.