Question

Nathan wants to have an original domain name and uses a randomized program to generate a secondary domain name for him. He wants to register this domain name in the com generic domain. The domain name that was generated is 253 characters long. Will the com registrar allow this domain name to be registered?

Short answer

No, the com registrar will not allow it because the domain exceeds the 253-character limit.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Domain Name Length Criteria

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) sets rules for domain names. According to ICANN, the maximum length for a full domain name, including the dots, is 253 characters. Subsections of this domain, like a secondary domain name (subdomain or actual name before ".com"), typically follow these rules.

Check Length of Complete Domain Name

Nathan's generated secondary domain name is 253 characters long. To register in the ".com" domain, you must also consider ".com" and the dot before it (".com" = 4 characters). Therefore, the full domain name would be 253 + 4 = 257 characters.

Determine If Length Complies with Requirements

The total length of Nathan's domain name with the ".com" extension is 257 characters. This exceeds ICANN's maximum domain length requirement of 253 characters, meaning it does not comply.

Key concepts

ICANN rules

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) plays a pivotal role in managing domain name systems worldwide. They create and enforce the rules governing how domain names are structured and registered. Understanding these rules is essential for anyone looking to establish their presence online through a personalized domain name.
ICANN sets specific guidelines for domain names to standardize their creation and usage. This includes defining the permissible characters, length restrictions, and overall format. They ensure that each domain name is unique, helping to avoid confusion in the digital landscape.
One of the main rules concerns the length of the domain name. ICANN specifies clear restrictions to maintain a consistent system across the internet. Adhering to these rules ensures smooth communication and navigation online, so understanding and complying with them is crucial for domain registration.

domain name length

The length of a domain name is a critical factor when registering a domain. According to ICANN rules, the full domain name, including all its parts such as subdomains and the top-level domain (TLD), should not exceed 253 characters. This rule is non-negotiable and applies universally.
It's important to consider every element of the domain name, as even small parts like ".com" and the dots are included in the character count. For example, a domain name of maximum length would technically leave no room for additional TLD characters.
Keeping domain names concise not only ensures compliance with ICANN's rules but also improves the memorability and usability of the domain. Shorter domain names are easier to remember and type, which can greatly benefit branding and user experience.

domain registration

Domain registration is the process of securing a unique domain name for a specific period, usually through a domain registrar. This process involves several steps and adherence to specific regulations.
First, selecting a unique, available domain name is essential. Registrars provide tools to check the availability of desired domain names. Due to the vast number of registered domains, creativity is often required to find an original name that fits within the given constraints.
Once you have an available and compliant domain name, you proceed to register it with a registrar. Registration typically requires providing your contact information and choosing the duration of the registration period. This ensures that your domain name is reserved exclusively for your use during that time.
Renewal processes ensure that once registered, domains remain under your control without lapses, provided that ICANN's conditions, such as length restrictions, are continually met.