Information About the .RU Domain Zone

Overview of the .ru Domain Zone

The .ru domain zone is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for the Russian Federation. It serves as a digital identifier for entities associated with Russia, including businesses, organizations, and individuals. The primary purpose of the .ru domain is to facilitate online presence and communication for Russian-speaking users and entities, promoting local content and services.

Historical Context

The .ru domain was created on April 24, 1994, during a period of significant technological advancement in Russia following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The initiative to establish the .ru domain was led by the Russian Institute for Public Networks (RIPN), which aimed to provide a national identity in the rapidly evolving internet landscape.

Administration

Today, the .ru domain is managed by the Coordination Center for TLD .RU/.РФ (CC). This organization is responsible for the technical and administrative aspects of the domain zone. The CC operates under the oversight of the Russian government and collaborates with various national and international bodies to ensure compliance with internet governance standards.

Registration Policy

Registration of .ru domains is open to a wide range of applicants, including individuals, businesses, and organizations. However, there are specific requirements and limitations:

• Applicants must provide valid identification, such as a passport for individuals or registration documents for companies.
• There are no restrictions based on citizenship or location, allowing international entities to register .ru domains.

The procedure for obtaining a .ru domain typically involves:

1. Choosing a domain name that complies with the allowed character set.
2. Registering through an accredited registrar.
3. Providing necessary documentation and payment for the registration fee.

Technical Parameters

The .ru domain supports Internationalized Domain Names (IDN), allowing users to register domain names in Cyrillic characters. The technical specifications include:

• Allowed length for domain names: 2 to 63 characters.
• Permissible characters: Latin letters (a-z), digits (0-9), and hyphens (-), with specific rules for IDN.
• DNS features: The .ru domain utilizes a robust DNS infrastructure to ensure reliability and performance.

Reputation and Security

Like many domain zones, .ru has faced challenges related to abuse, including spam and phishing attacks. To combat these issues, several security mechanisms are in place:

• DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) are supported to enhance the integrity and authenticity of DNS data.
• Complaint-based blocking mechanisms are available to address reported abuses effectively.

Commercial Indicators

The .ru domain has shown significant growth in terms of registrations:

• As of October 2023, there are over 5 million registered .ru domains.
• The cost of registration typically ranges from $10 to $30 per year, depending on the registrar and additional services.
• Premium domains are available, often commanding higher prices due to their desirability.

Conclusion

The .ru domain zone plays a crucial role in the digital landscape of Russia, providing a platform for local entities to establish their online presence. With its robust administrative framework, security measures, and growing registration numbers, .ru continues to be a vital component of the internet in the Russian Federation.