The name tree
01A DNS name locates a node in one shared tree. The rightmost labels are closest to the root.
Related RFCs and changes
“Updates” changes part of an earlier RFC. “Obsoletes” replaces it. This list shows selected related documents.
DIAGRAM§ 3.1 ↗
RFC 1034 · § 3.1EXAMPLE
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03
Reach the named node.
The full name is read from this node back toward the root.
Protocol participantThreat or exceptionProtocol controlSimplified drawings · precise section references
Read the updated RFC section ↗
Names describe hierarchy, not network location.
- Each label is at most 63 octets; a complete encoded name is at most 255 octets.
- A trailing dot explicitly includes the root label.
- DNS comparisons of ASCII letters ignore case; preserve the original case when possible.
A domain contains its descendants. A zone is an administrative portion of the tree, and may stop at delegation boundaries.
Read the RFC section ↗Diagrams simplify the RFC. Read the linked sections for complete requirements.
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