History of the TLD

The .network top‑level domain is a generic top‑level domain (gTLD) created under ICANN’s New gTLD Program. It was delegated into the Domain Name System root zone in 2014 after the registry operator entered into a Registry Agreement with ICANN. The domain was introduced to provide a thematic extension for uses tied to networks, connectivity, technology, and communities.

Main Use and Industry Position

The .network TLD serves as a thematic domain for organisations, businesses, projects, and communities focused on networking, communications, technology platforms, connectivity services, professional or social networks, and related areas. It conveys relevance to technological interconnection and community building and provides a descriptive namespace that can reinforce branding in sectors where networks and connections are central.

Comparison to Other TLDs

Compared with legacy extensions such as .com, .org, or .net, .network offers a more descriptive name specific to networking and connection‑centric purposes. Legacy extensions like .net have broader recognition and longer historical usage but lack the targeted branding potential inherent in .network. Unlike strictly open general extensions, .network positions itself as thematically aligned to network and technology sectors.

Pros and Cons of the TLD

Pros

• Clearly conveys focus on networks, technology, and connectivity
  

• Helps reinforce branding for network‑related services and platforms
  

• Greater availability of desired names than some older TLDs
  

Cons

• Lower universal recognition compared with legacy extensions such as .com and .net
  

• Some audiences may default to .com addresses when recalling domain names
  

• Pricing can vary and be higher than some standard TLDs
  
  

Registration Criteria

Registration of .network domains is open to individuals and organisations without specific eligibility restrictions. There are no residency or local presence requirements. Standard ICANN policies for domain registration apply.

Summary

The .network TLD is a generic top‑level domain introduced in 2014 to provide a descriptive namespace for network, technology, and connectivity‑oriented web presences. It is open for general registration and widely used by businesses, startups, platforms, and communities that wish to signal a connection to networks or networking technologies.