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Introduction
Every computer on the Internet is assigned a numerical address called an IP address. The Domain Name System (DNS) provides mapping to a machine's canonical name (e.g. www.uark.edu) to an IP address, as well as reverse mapping of an IP address to a canonical name. As the use of the network becomes an integral part of research, teaching, and learning at the University of Arkansas, the administration of the ‘name space’ and adherence to naming conventions are crucial.
For machines to function over the Internet, IP addresses must be registered with the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), a non-profit, independent organization providing central coordinating functions for the global Internet. The address space that represents the University of Arkansas is the responsibility of The Department of Computing Services. Computing Services may delegate the responsibility for all or a portion of an IP address range assigned to the University of Arkansas to another organizational unit within the University of Arkansas; however, ultimate responsibility of the range remains that of Computing Services. An organizational unit receiving such a delegation may not further delegate its IP addresses to another party without authorization from Computing Services.
Domain names are registered through any of a number of officially sanctioned domain name registrars. Computing Services is responsible for the Domain Names associated with those addresses. In this capacity it allocates, registers, arbitrates and maintains the name space.
Nameservers
Proper administration of a ‘name space’ implies the presence of official top-level domain nameservers. Since Computing Services has the official responsibility for the maintenance of the name space at the University of Arkansas, it maintains highly available (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), primary and secondary nameservers, and is responsible for the top level uark.edu domain.
In special circumstances, particularly in support of sub-domains (see below), the Department of Computing Services may delegate all or a portion of a domain name space to authorize the use of DNS servers within other campus organizational units as is currently done in the College of Engineering and the Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies (CAST). DNS servers should only be deployed after coordination with Computing Services. DNS servers must be administered by experienced system administrators who will adhere to all University of Arkansas policies and practices related to server security and administration.
Under no circumstances will a domain name be permitted that is hosted outside the University of Arkansas’s properly authorized DNS servers that also references IP addresses assigned to the University of Arkansas.
Name Space Management
Top Level Domains
By default, the University of Arkansas uses the top-level domain of uark.edu. All IP resources normally associated with the University of Arkansas will utilize this domain.
Sub-Domains
A sub-domain is a logical representation of a subset of a top-level domain. It usually takes the following form:
organizationalunit.uark.edu
This allows subsequent definition of hosts and services within that sub-domain, as in:
www.engr.uark.edu
Non-uark.edu top level domains
Designer domains (sometimes called vanity domains) in this context are top level domains other than those indicated above and not having the University of Arkansas association in their name (e.g. - campusparking.org). Such domains represent an exception in our environment and their definition will be granted only in the following cases and subject to these limitations:
Non-profit, non-commercial academic agencies, Office of Business Affairs approved commercial institutional entities, institutes, services, or programs affiliated with the University of Arkansas that fit within the University’s mission of education, research, and outreach.
Such domains should only be hosted on the central campus DNS servers. Designer domains can be hosted on sub-domain DNS servers after coordination with Computing Services.
Campus organizations requesting designer domains are responsible for providing host resources for subsequent associated hostnames.
Since we are a state-funded, educational institution, commercial or commerce related sites will NOT be served by our nameservers unless the commercial status and affiliation have been authorized by the University of Arkansas Office of Business Affairs.
Naming Conventions
Since colleges, departments, and student organizations are a subset of the University, domain and host names are expected to reflect a university, departmental and service association. Thus the following simple naming conventions should be followed:
A sub-domain must be unique within a top-level domain and reflect departmental/school affiliation.
Host names are a reflection on the University of Arkansas and good taste should be used in name selection. Departments responsible for DNS servers have the right to refuse a name if it is deemed inappropriate.
Host names are often chosen to reflect the use or purpose of a system. Departments responsible for DNS servers have the right to refuse a name request if it may cause confusion about the true nature or purpose of a system.
Reverse Name Mapping
Reverse canonical name mapping provides a method of obtaining the domain name for an IP address. All domain names administered in those domains delegated to the University of Arkansas should have reverse canonical name mappings.
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
501-575-2000