Network - DNS Registration FAQ
The Domain Name System (DNS) is a distributed Internet directory service. DNS is used mostly to translate between domain names and IP addresses, and to control Internet email delivery. Most Internet services rely on DNS to work, and if DNS fails, web sites cannot be located and email delivery stalls.
- How can I make a DNS-related request?
- How much do DoIT's DNS and subnet allocation services cost?
- How quickly are DNS-related requests handled?
- Are campus departments allowed to handle their own 3rd-level domain DNS server(s)?
- What are DoIT's criteria for allowing ".org", ".net" and ".com" domains?
- What about a new .edu domain?
How can I make a DNS-related request?
For changes involving DoIT-platform subnets, open a WiscIT IP/DNS Change Request.
For all other questions/changes, email hostmaster@doit.wisc.edu
How much do DoIT's DNS and subnet allocation services cost?
There is no charge for these services.
How quickly are DNS-related requests handled?
Requests for new third level domains (X.wisc.edu) are approved by the University Communications office. This process may take up to two weeks.
Other requests are generally completed within 24 hours.
Urgent requests and outages are addressed on a best-effort basis.
Are campus departments allowed to handle their own 3rd-level domain DNS server(s)?
This is allowed in some cases, provided that the following standards are met:
- The primary nameserver should be configured in a secure manner.
- The system administrators for the nameserver must provide 24x7 contact information.
- There must be at least one secondary nameserver for any given DNS zone. DoIT will provide secondary service for any department not equipped to do so.
- At least one of the secondary nameservers SHOULD be geographically and logically separate from the primary.
What are the policies regarding criteria for allowing ".org", ".net", and ".com" domains?
- *.org Allowed when the scope of the website's mission includes and exceeds the mission of the UW-Madison.
- *.net These requests are handled on a case-by-case basis.
- *.com Groups requesting *.coms need approval from Office of Administrative Legal Services; alternatively, those groups may look into getting a commercial ISP.
Note that the DoIT Hostmaster service will not register a domain on your behalf. You must register the domain yourself, at a registrar of your choosing.
What about a new .edu domain?
- .EDU eligibility is defined by Educause, not DoIT. It is more restrictive than .org, .net, .com. It is unlikely that you will be eligible. See the following links for more information
https://net.educause.edu/faq.htm#panel3
https://net.educause.edu/eligibility.htm