How can I check if a DNS or NameServer exists?

When we register a DNS, we usually need to register a NameServer with the registry first. For example, if we need a NameServer like "ns1.test.com," we must register the "ns1" NameServer with the registry for the .com domain. If this DNS is also to be used for other suffixes such as .cn, .vip, etc., we need to register this NameServer with each respective registry in order to use it. Sometimes, we need to check if a DNS already exists. Since querying the registry is usually not easy and only registrars have the permission to do so, we can also use an ICANN website to check.

http://reports.internic.net/cgi/whois

When we visit this website, we can enter a NameServer, such as "dns1.everdns.com," and make sure to the registry to check the NameServer using commands such as "check" or "status." However, this is only accessible to the corresponding registrar.

What is InterNIC.net?

We mentioned the website InterNIC.net earlier. This site was once a critical institution responsible for domain name registration and network information services. It was established as a collaborative effort between the U.S. government and Network Solutions, Inc. (NSI) to handle the registration of top-level domains (TLDs) such as .com, .org, and .net, as well as to provide internet network information services.

InterNIC was officially established in April 1993 by the U.S. National Science Foundation. It was responsible for domain name and IP address allocation. InterNIC consisted of three main components: Registration Services (rs.internic.net), Directory and Database Services (ds.internic.net), and Information Services (is.internic.net). InterNIC only allocated network numbers, while host numbers were assigned by system administrators.

However, its role was eventually taken over by ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) in October 1998. ICANN is an international non-profit organization that now manages many of the functions previously handled by InterNIC, but with a broader, more international scope and a multi-stakeholder governance model.

Is the information from InterNIC reliable?

Yes, the information from InterNIC is considered reliable. Although its primary role has been transitioned to ICANN, InterNIC's website is now maintained by ICANN and continues to provide public information related to domain name registration services.