Registration Data Directory Service (RDDS)

The Registration Data Directory Service (RDDS) is a vital component of the Domain Name System (DNS), responsible for managing domain names on the internet. RDDS is a database that stores information about domain name registrars and their respective clients, helping to maintain a decentralized and distributed system for domain name registration.



Purpose of RDDS

The primary purpose of RDDS is to:

Registry-Registrar Mapping: RDDS maps domain name registries to their corresponding registrars. This allows registrars to manage domain names within their specific registry.
Client Management: RDDS helps registrars manage their clients by storing data related to domain name registrations, such as contact information, registration dates, and expiration dates.
Zone File Generation: RDDS facilitates the creation of zone files, which are used to map domain names to their corresponding IP addresses. These zone files are essential for the proper functioning of the DNS.
RDDS Data Structure

The RDDS database consists of several key data fields, including:

Handle: A unique identifier assigned to each entry in the RDDS database.
Registry: The name and contact information of the domain name registry.
Registrar: The name and contact information of the domain name registrar.
Clients: A list of clients registered under the specific registrar.
Domain Names: The domain names registered by the clients.
Registration Dates: The dates when domain names were registered.
Expiration Dates: The dates when domain names are set to expire.
RDDS Access and Updates

Access to RDDS data is typically restricted to authorized parties, such as domain name registrars and registries. Updates to RDDS data are usually made through the use of the WHOIS protocol, which allows registrars to query and modify RDDS records.

RDDS and WHOIS

The WHOIS protocol is closely linked with RDDS, as WHOIS queries often retrieve data stored in the RDDS database. WHOIS allows users to search for specific domain name registration information, such as the registrar of record, the registrant's contact information, and the domain name's registration and expiration dates.

RDDS and DNSSEC

RDDS also plays a role in the implementation of DNSSEC (DNS Security Extensions), a suite of security protocols designed to protect the DNS against various threats. By using RDDS data, DNSSEC can help ensure the authenticity and integrity of domain name records.

Registration Data Directory Service (RDDS) is an essential component of the domain name system, helping to manage and maintain the decentralized and distributed nature of domain name registration. Its database stores critical information about registries, registrars, and clients, facilitating the proper functioning of the DNS and enabling various security measures.