The domain name system (DNS) is used at the beginning of almost every instance of network communication. While the operators of the DNS fulfill many different functions, the core function of the DNS is to provide a directory service. When one enters an address or URL in a browser such as www.gov.ie, the DNS lets the computer know where the information is by referring to the relevant IP address. The DNS has a hierarchical structure in which the apex is known as the root domain or dot (“.”). The Root Zone holds the delegation pointers to Internet protocol numbers for the top-level domains such as .ie, .uk, .fr, .com & .org etc. These top level domains hold the delegation pointers for the second level domain names such as boi.ie, gov.ie or adidas.com.