Domain Names

Overview

Domain Names is a component of PennNet's Network Names & Numbers.

Schools, departments without a school affiliation, campus-wide computer services, and interdisciplinary groups are each eligible to request a 3rd level domain name. For more information on eligibility, please review either our domain names policy summary page or read the full University Policy

Domain names are familiar, easy to remember addresses that allow people to easily locate web pages, email addresses, and network equipment host names. Domain names are defined in a hierarchy called the Domain Name System (DNS). In this system, the most specific host information is listed at the start of a domain name, and the more general host information is located at the end.

For example, Penn’s School of Design maintains a 3rd level domain name:
design.upenn.edu. This domain name is considered 3rd level because it provides three pieces of information to a user.

design = school designation, 3rd level
upenn = educational institution designation, 2nd level
edu = base domain, 1st level

Domain names can include even more information, creating 4th and even 5th level domain names. ISC Technology Services registers and distributes domain name space via Network Names & Numbers. Higher level domain names are the responsibility of individual schools and other University organizations.

Ordering Service

Before you submit a domain name request, please review the University’s Network Policy.

Visit Support Center, navigate to the Networks & Connectivity category, and use the Third-Level Domain Request tile to order this service. Obtain approval from both your Business Administrator and your IT Director before submitting a request. In some cases, ISC will be unable to approve your request or will require revision prior to approval. Most requests can be processed within 3 business days.

Domain Names & Policy

Network Policy: Domain Names

In 2022 a consolidated Network Policy was adopted by the University. Section 5.3.2 Use of upenn.edu domain name space specifies domain naming requirements and limitations to provide a scalable solution to domain name requests, promote effective use of a valuable resource, and protect the reputation of the University and its many brands.

PennNet's Domain Names offering enables schools, centers, University-wide information resources, and certain other types of organizational entities to have custom domain names in the upenn.edu domain name space for purposes permitted by the ITPC policy. Upon approval, ISC will register the third-level domain in the Network Names & Numbers (NN&N) database, and complete other, NN&N-specific implementation tasks as requested (e.g. grant access to manage the domain in the NN&N management console, provision IP address space, register hosts, and create DNS records such as CNAME, MX, TXT, and SRV.)

Risk of Non-compliance

If a domain name request does not fall within the guidelines of the Network Policy, the request will be denied or can be delayed by the appeals process.