.network Domain

.network Domain Extension: Secure, Professional, and Gaining Steam in Tech

In this post we continue our exploration of domain extensions, this time diving into a newer and often overlooked TLD that’s starting to gain traction among tech-savvy communities — the .network extension.

What is .network?

As the name suggests, the .network domain extension is intended for businesses and organizations that operate within the world of networking — think telecommunications, internet service providers, and network infrastructure companies. The extension is owned and operated by Identity Digital (formerly Donuts Inc.), a major player in the new gTLD space.

Now, if you’re thinking this sounds a lot like the .net extension, you’re not wrong. In fact, .net is short for "network" and has long been a go-to for companies in these industries. But here’s the difference: .net has been around since the early days of the internet and is operated by Verisign, whereas .network is a newer, more modern gTLD built with today’s digital demands in mind.

A More Secure Experience

One of the big selling points of the .network TLD, and really any TLD under Identity Digital’s management — is the promise of enhanced security. The technical operator uses advanced DNS infrastructure and includes features designed to guard against phishing, spoofing, and other cyber threats.

Some Identity Digital TLDs also enforce HTTPS as a default, meaning websites are expected to use SSL certificates, which helps build trust with visitors right out of the gate. These added layers of security may not seem like a big deal at first glance, but in a world full of sketchy domains and bad actors, every bit of assurance matters — especially for startups and web3 projects looking to establish legitimacy.

Designed for Networked Businesses — But Gaining Broader Appeal

While the .network TLD was initially created with a narrow use case in mind — companies that literally operate networks, it’s started to gain attention from other sectors. In particular, the web3 and crypto communities have been showing interest in this extension, and that’s worth paying attention to.

Why? Well, maybe it’s because the idea of a decentralized network — the backbone of blockchain and web3 — naturally aligns with the concept of “network.” After all, cryptocurrencies and digital assets don’t run on a single server, they live on a dispersed network of nodes. So the .network extension makes conceptual sense here.

But it might also just be that the web3 crowd enjoys exploring alternative TLDs. Over the years, they’ve embraced extensions like .xyz, .io, .fi, .org, and .so — all of which have carved out their own space in that ecosystem. In that context, .network is another piece of the puzzle, and one that adds a clean, professional layer to a decentralized movement.

Why Choose .network?

There are a few key benefits to using the .network extension:

• Professional branding: Instantly signals that your business operates in or around the networking, infrastructure, or tech space.
  
  

• Availability: Since it’s newer, you’re far more likely to snag a clean, brandable domain than you would with something like .com or even .net.
  
  

• Security features: Identity Digital's infrastructure gives users a bit more peace of mind.
  
  

• Community crossover: As mentioned, it’s becoming increasingly embraced by tech startups, web3 devs, and forward-thinking organizations.
  
  

If you're a company working in connectivity, infrastructure, blockchain, or any project built on a distributed network — .network might just be the perfect fit, especially if your ideal .com is already taken.

The .network domain extension may not have the raw name recognition of a .com or even a .io, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth serious consideration — especially for companies looking to stand out while signaling trust and professionalism. With increasing adoption by the web3 community and built-in infrastructure benefits from its technical operator, .network could quietly become a staple in the domain portfolios of the next generation of innovators.

As always, choosing the right domain isn’t just about what’s available — it’s about what feels aligned with your brand, your audience, and your mission.

.network

Startups using the .network domain extension