The
Request For Comment (
RFC) published by the
IETF that set the standard for Domain Name Systems.
(See also:
DNS)
A quick exerpt:
Network Working Group P. Mockapetris
Request for Comments: 883 ISI
November 1983
DOMAIN NAMES - IMPLEMENTATION and SPECIFICATION
| This memo discusses the implementation of domain |
| name servers and resolvers, specifies the format of |
| transactions, and discusses the use of domain names |
| in the context of existing mail systems and other |
| network software. |
| |
| This memo assumes that the reader is familiar with |
| RFC 882, "Domain Names - Concepts and Facilities" |
| which discusses the basic principles of domain |
| names and their use. |
| |
| The algorithms and internal data structures used in |
| this memo are offered as suggestions rather than |
| requirements; implementers are free to design their |
| own structures so long as the same external |
| behavior is achieved. |
For more info, see http://www.faqs.org/rfcs/rfc833.html