Open Root Server Network
The Open Root Server Network ( ORSN ) was launched in 2002 by Markus Grundmann as an alternative to the root name servers coordinated by ICANN .
The task of the ORSN is to ensure the name resolution on the Internet through another root server network that is technically 100% compatible with the ICANN root, but is not exposed to the political influence of ICANN. ORSN is not profit-oriented and therefore does not aim, for example, to expand its own root zone with additional top-level domains , as some organizations strive for for commercial reasons.
Ten ORSN servers are located in Europe and are operated by various ISPs .
A total failure of the ICANN root server network is generally excluded by the redundant design. On the other hand, it is often criticized that ICANN has too great an influence on the operation of the Internet through the root server. Since ICANN is contractually subordinate to the US Department of Commerce , some critics fear that switching off or redirecting certain top-level domains could be used as a means of pressure to implement political goals.
The ORSN project does not represent a separation of the Domain Name System, but is intended to limit the influence of ICANN. Furthermore, the operators hope for a positive side effect on the access times through the load distribution on ICANN and ORSN servers.
On October 22, 2008, the operators announced that ORSN would be shut down at the end of 2008. The reason given was the operator's decline in interest. ORSN users were recommended to switch to the name servers coordinated by ICANN.
In the course of the espionage programs PRISM and Tempora , Grundmann announced in June 2013 that he would like to revive ORSN and put it back into operation in the same year.
The network has been operational again since July 1, 2013.
The project has been offline again since May 2019 and, according to its own statements, will no longer go online.
In addition to ORSN, there were and are other alternative DNS root operators , for example the still active OpenNIC .
See also
Web links
- orsn.de - Official website ORSN
Individual evidence
- ↑ Alternative DNS root server before the shutdown - article at heise online , from October 23, 2008
- ↑ According to PRISM and Tempora: DNS root server alternative ORSN rises, article at heise online from June 26, 2013
- ↑ ORSN | Project is OFFLINE since May 2019. Retrieved July 17, 2019 .