A domain name is not just a URL; registering a domain name is not a way of obtaining web hosting services or an alias URL for an existing website. An internet domain is a space (or potential space) on the internet, and each domain has a unique numeric IP (Internet Protocol) address. For example, the ncsu.edu domain has the numeric IP addresses 152.1.x.y, 152.7.x.y, or 152.14.x.y, and all the servers and services within the ncsu.edu domain must be associated with these IP address ranges if they are to be identified and found among the millions of other internet domains.

Domain names like yahoo.com are easier to remember than numeric IP addresses. However, each fully qualified domain name (such as www.ncsu.edu) corresponds to a specific IP address. Domain names must be unique and officially registered so that the Internet Domain Name System (DNS) can match the name with the IP address. This IP address must be physically assigned to server software running on at least one computer for an internet presence. Some companies that register internet domain names offer web hosting, email, or FTP services. However, registering a domain name and being given an IP address only gives you the right to create your own space online. It does not create the space or provide other internet services.

If you already have a working website, it already exists within an internet domain. At NC State, all network hosts (all computers connected to the university network) must be registered in the ncsu.edu domain unless the Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance and Information Systems or the Vice Provost for Information Technology grants exceptions. See Administrative Regulations — Computer Use Section III, L.