What are Domain Names?

Domain Names - On the Web, the domain name is that part of the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) that tells a domain name server using the domain name system (DNS) whether and where to forward a request for a Web page. The domain name is mapped to an Internet Protocol (IP) address (which represents a physical point on the Internet).

To more clearly explain Domain names the following example is offered:

      “.gov” = Top-level, or first-level domain name

      “.hhs.gov” = Second-level domain name

      “opdiv.hhs.gov” = Third-level domain name

      “division.opdiv.hhs.gov” = Fourth-level domain name

      “../advisory/boards.htm” = subdirectory and file (web page file that is not considered part of the domain name). 

HHS Owned Domain Names - Domain names registered under HHS or any of its Agencies are considered “owned” by HHS, including those registered on behalf of HHS by contractors and paid for with HHS funds.

HHS Sponsored Domain Names - Domain names hosted, maintained, and/or subsidized by HHS or any of its Agencies are considered “sponsored” or “operated on behalf of” HHS.