With the advent of the blockchain and Web3, how we register, manage and resolve domain names, in general, has completely changed. The Web2 domains have been in use until now when the blockchain is becoming popular. One of the most popular on-chain domain registration services is the Ethereum Name Service (ENS) which belongs to ethereum. Recently, new blockchains are developing their own DNS protocols, showing that this niche is only in its infancy. In this article, we look at the top 7 blockchain DNS software to try out in 2023.
What is Blockchain DNS?
A DNS serves as a gateway to the internet and is essential everywhere, especially for businesses, which defines your business address. In the same case, blockchain DNS is a decentralized DNS server that permits the registration, management, and resolution of domain names on the blockchain. By being decentralized, the network is run, and the related files are stored and shared on a peer-to-peer server system. Through this, the main participants in the network act as nodes, connecting without the presence of intermediaries.
The different domain registry sites are based on smart contracts. When you buy a domain from a blockchain DNS, the domain belongs to you, and no one can censor it without your permission. In many cases, blockchain domains are likely to form web addresses that function as cryptocurrency wallets. Here are the seven top blockchain domain name services to try out in 2022.
Top 7 Blockchain DNS Software to Try Out in 2023
Namecoin
Namecoin is the first fork of Bitcoin and has been one of the most innovative altcoins. It is the first altcoin to implement merged mining and a decentralized DNS. The site uses .bit as the domain name and operates like most traditional DNS systems. As a site user, you can register, renew and transfer domain using flat and cryptocurrency.
When you purchase the domain, you have to install separate software to be able to manage their .bit domain as a browser extension. Namecoin can improve decentralization, security, censorship resistance, privacy, and speed of DNS and other identities. Namecoin has the feature of freeing DNS, identities and other technologies.
Blockstack
Previously identified as OneName, Blockstack has a decentralized DNS that creates a decentralized website on the Bitcoin Blockchain. They also remove the third parties that manage ID systems, databases, and web servers. Blockstack is a pioneer in the DApp space because they use blockchains to build a DNS equivalent and a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). Consequently, they do not rely on root servers or central authorities.
One can register a name and control it as the owner. Additionally, there are no attacks, DNS service denials, hacking, or censorship of individual websites.
Ethereum Name Service (ENS)
Ethereum Name Service is one of the most popular blockchain DNS systems. There has been an increase in its registration with 1.12 names and 406000 owners. It constitutes an innovative blockchain-based DNS with a traditional system that allows users to enjoy the benefits of the two systems. Ethereum DNS has a unique characteristic in allowing users to transfer domains. For example, one can transfer their traditional domains to the blockchain DNS service. The transfer can be done as long as one provides their DNSSEC registration.
One registers a domain using the .eth extension using an auction process. As a user, one can store their addresses and receive any cryptocurrency, token, or NFT.
Emercoin – EmerDNS
Emercoin utilizes the Proof of Stake system that joins proofs of work and proof of ownership. It serves as an alternative to DNS, supporting the development of Decentralized Software Development Kits (dSDKs). Such tools are essential because they assist the user in generating service and software solutions such as APIs, technical documentation, and domains without using technical code.
Emercoin has an advantage in that it can support four domain zones and any zone. Nonetheless, the DNS is not prone to censorship and blocking. In addition, the DNS is fully decentralized, so information cannot be substituted or blocked. Users can also specify the domain rental period during registration. Lastly, users can terminate their domain by deleting it from the blockchain without waiting for their expiration or lease period.
Peername
Peername poses an easy-to-use blockchain plugin that can be used in Chrome, Opera, and Firefox. The platform is built on XNR, Namecoin, and Emercoin cryptocurrencies. It allows the resolving of .bit, .emc, .coin, .lib, and .bazar domains. Registering a domain costs $7 per domain, which is slightly more costly than its alternatives.
Peername moves all domains for free to attract users to the platform and gives users the next year of free per registration. When users transfer their domains, they can move them to their private wallets, which provides them with enough control. In addition, when one registers, all data is stored in cold storage, which reduces the risks of attacks and hackers.
NEM Blockchain DNS Extension
NEM Blockchain DNS is a chrome extension allowing users to browse websites with the .nem extension. Although the platform is less comprehensive when compared to the others, it offers various useful features that permit users to access domain names from the NEM Blockchain name system.
NEM is an easy-to-install software and does not require you to download any other software. The platform is also built on the blockchain, and it is open-source. Once the extension is installed, as the domain owner, it is easy to update. Just like other blockchain DNS extensions, it is impossible to censor, meaning owners can post content without needing approval.
Handshake
Handshake relies on network participants to validate DNS zones. The creation is a trend towards a tool that builds a more decentralized internet. As an advantage of running Handshake, one is likely to participate in a decentralized open naming platform that a decentralized peer-to-peer network makes secure.
When one registers a name, the cryptographic key under the owner’s control can write ordered records. Handshake utilizes its blockchain to decentralize and order events.
Final Thoughts
Blockchain technology is still new to the domain industry, so we have yet to see a leading domain dominating the market. Every registry site has something unique to offer. However, there are still limitations like lack of browser integration, which makes them slightly different.
Thus, as businesses progressively continue to innovate, you have the opportunity to test out new features. This way, you can determine what registry works best for your requirements.