Have you ever wondered what all those different parts of a website address actually mean? From the “.com” at the end to the domain name to that comes before it; every part plays an important role in how the Internet organise websites. Whether you’re starting a new website or just curious about how domains work, understanding terms like TLDs, SLDs, gTLDs, and ccTLDs can help you navigate the online world with confidence.
Let’s take an example, when you type a website address into your browser like eukhost.com you are using a part of a larger system called the Internet Domain Naming System (DNS). Each part of the domain name is divided into different levels, which help organise and identify websites on the Internet.
In this article, we will explore the different types of domain levels, including TLDs, SLDs, gTLDs, and ccTLDs so you can better understand what they mean and how they work.
What are Domain levels?
Every domain name on the internet is made up of different levels that help organise websites worldwide. Let’s look at these domain levels and what each one means.
- TLDs- Top level domains
This is the highest-level domain category in the Internet domain naming system. The portion of a domain name that comes after the dot. So, in eukhost.com, the top-level domain is .com. - SLD – Second Level Domains
The portion of a domain name that comes before the dot. So, in eukhost.com, eukhost is the second level domain. - gTLD – Generic TOP Level Domains
Top level domains that are not associated with any country are called as gTLD. .com, .net & .org are the only currently existing gTLD’s. Initially, the top-level domain designation was meant to denote whether the domain name was being used for network (.net), business (.com), or for charity/non-profit (.org).
But the Internet revolution & the explosion of world wide web erased these lines, companies and individuals alike started cross-registering domains (i.e. i.com, i.net, i.org) just to protect their interests. Now these generic top-level domains can be used for any purpose. - ccTLD – Country Code Top Level Domain
Two letter country code domain reserved by every Country in the world is called ccTLD – Country Code Top Level Domain. Examples of ccTLDs are .uk (United Kingdom), .us (United States), .ca (Canada) & in (India). In general, these are registered by businesses with a coincidental link to the TLD in question.
Why Domain Levels Matter?
Understanding the different domain levels is crucial when:
- Registering a domain that suits your goals.
- Targeting the right geographic audience.
- Creating a trustworthy and recognisable web address.
- Protecting your brand across multiple TLDs.
By choosing the correct domain level whether a gTLD like “.com” or a ccTLD like “.ca you can improve your website’s credibility and better connect with your target audience.
Conclusion:
The Internet’s Domain Name System (DNS) can appear complex at first, but understanding its components like TLDs, SLDs, gTLDs, and ccTLDs, will help you make better decisions when selecting a domain name.
When registering your next website with eukhost, take these domain levels into account so that your business or personal project reaches the right people with an outstanding and trusted web address.
