---
title: "What Is IANA? Domain Glossary | Grit Brokerage"
description: "The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority, which keeps the public registries of internet identifiers. This includes the root zone database that lists..."
url: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/iana
publisher: Grit Brokerage
contact: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/contact
offer: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/inquiry
---

Registration and DNS

# IANA

The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority, which keeps the public registries of internet identifiers. This includes the root zone database that lists every top-level domain and the organization that manages it.

## Why it matters

IANA is the source of record for top-level domains. Its root zone database shows each extension, its manager and its technical details. The IANA functions are run by an ICANN affiliate. When someone asks who really operates .ai or .net, the IANA record answers it. It is a useful check when a buyer wonders if a new extension is real. A common mistake is thinking IANA sells domains or settles disputes. It does neither. It publishes the registries that others rely on.

Source: [iana.org](https://www.iana.org/about)

## Where we use this term

-   [.com vs .ai vs .io vs .co: How to Choose a Domain Extension](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/guides/com-vs-ai-vs-io-vs-co)

## Buying or selling a domain?

Call, text or email. Responsiveness is our trademark, and a broker answers, not a form robot.

[Talk to a broker](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/contact) [Call (442) 500-GRIT](tel:+1-442-500-4748)