A domain name is not just a URL; registering a domain name is not a way to obtain web hosting services or to create 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 Internet Protocol (IP) address. For example, the ncsu.edu domain has the numeric IP address ranges 152.1.x.y, 152.7.x.y, and 152.14.x.y, and all servers and services within the ncsu.edu domain must be associated with these ranges if they are to be identified 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 assigned an IP address only gives you the right to create your own online space. 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 (computers connected to the university network) must be registered in the ncsu.edu domain unless an exception is granted by the Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance and Information Systems or the Vice Provost for Information Technology. See Administrative Regulations — Computer Use Section III, L.