Establishing a Web3 Identity Through Blockchain Name Service (BNS):

Creating a recognisable brand for an NFT project is one of the quintessential essences to its success. Most creators know that they need to launch an engaging marketing campaign in order to stand out from the crowd. However, one aspect that is often missed is the benefits of having a personalised Web3 identity that can help collectors remember a project and establish it as a core supporter of the Web3 ecosystem. A Web3 identity is established by registering a wallet or contract address to a Blockchain Name Service.

What is a Blockchain Name Service (BNS)?

Blockchain Name Service (BNS) is a decentralized domain name system built on top of blockchain networks such as Ethereum(.eth) and Solana(.sol). It offers a way to replace the traditional DNS system with a more secure and decentralised version.

With BNS, users can register domain names in a decentralized manner. This means that there is no need for third-party intermediaries, such as registrars or certificate authorities, to validate or manage domain names. Instead, domain names are registered on the blockchain, which provides an immutable and censorship-resistant record of ownership.

BNS uses a unique identifier called a “namehash” that is generated from the domain name. This namehash is then used to create a smart contract which contains the rules for managing the domain name, including who has the right to update the domain’s records.

Use Cases of Blockchain Name Service (BNS):

Decentralized Domain Name Registration
BNS allows users to register domain names in a decentralized manner, eliminating the need for centralized domain name registrars. This ensures that domain names are not subject to censorship or control by a single entity. For example, a country’s government cannot block a BNS domain name.

Immutable Record-Keeping
BNS leverages the immutability of blockchain technology to provide a permanent record of domain name registrations and transfers (i.e. not your keys, not your domain!). This makes it easy to verify the ownership of a domain name and to prevent fraudulent activities such as domain name squatting.

Secure Domain Name Resolution
BNS provides a secure way to resolve domain names to IP addresses, using the same cryptographic principles as blockchain technology. This ensures that domain name resolution is not subject to attacks such as DNS spoofing or man-in-the-middle attacks.

Integration with Decentralized Applications
BNS can be integrated with decentralized applications (dApps) to provide a seamless user experience. A dApp can use BNS to resolve domain names to contract addresses, making it easier for users to interact with smart contracts. For example, instead of having to type in the entire public address, Metamask users can type in a wallet’s Ethereum Name Service (ENS) name to transfer tokens.

Improve Your Web3 Brand With Blockchain Name Service (BNS):

Blockchain Name Service (BNS) has become a staple of the Web3 community.

On ‘Crypto Twitter’, a distinct BNS name is arguably more important than a profile handle. For example, most people would have heard of “eric.eth”, yet if you asked them about “@econoar” (Eric’s handle) you would likely be met with a blank response. Eric has created a recognisable Web3 identity to boost his personal brand and this is something that all Web3 creators should think about doing too. If you are a founder of an NFT project, this is the perfect start to getting your name out there in the Web3 community.

Blockchain Name Service is not limited to individuals though, they can be used to leverage an organisation or project’s reputation in a similar way to how professional-looking DNS domains are crucial to establishing search traffic authority. Additionally, the type of BNS domain that a project chooses often reflects the ecosystem that they predominantly identify with. For example, “eric.eth” has been a core member of the Ethereum ecosystem since 2014 and as such he has chosen the Ethereum Name Service (ENS) “.eth” domain to reflect that.

Blockchain Name Service (BNS) Types and Platforms:

Ethereum Name Service (ENS)

The Ethereum Name Service (ENS) is the most popular BNS platform and operates on the Ethereum blockchain. It allows users to register human-readable domain names that can be used to interact with smart contracts, decentralized applications, and other Ethereum-based services. ENS uses the .ETH top-level domain and provides a user-friendly interface for registering and managing domain names. ENS also supports the creation of subdomains, making it easier for users to organize their names and services.

Unstoppable Domains

Unstoppable Domains is a BNS platform that operates on the Ethereum and Zilliqa blockchains. It allows users to register domain names with the .CRYPTO, .ZIL, .WALLET, .COIN, .X, .NFT, .DAO and .BITCOIN top-level domains and provides a censorship-resistant alternative to the traditional DNS. Unstoppable Domains uses a smart contract-based system to manage domain names, making it more secure and transparent for users. Unstoppable Domains also supports the creation of subdomains and provides an easy-to-use interface for registering and managing domain names.

Stacks – Bitcoin Name Service

Stacks is an open-source network that allows developers to create smart contracts on Bitcoin. .BTC names are registered by sending two transactions to the Bitcoin Name System smart contract on the Stacks chain. Bitcoin Name System is a decentralised name registration app that can be compared to its Ethereum counterpart ENS. Transactions are finalized on Bitcoin. BTC names are fundamentally under your control and resistant to seizure or censorship.

Protocol.Art

Protocol.Art is the first DNS-compatible ENS domain system. It allows users to register unique ENS names ending with .ART and lets DNS owners turn their .ART domains into Web3 identities. What’s unique about Protocol.Art is that it lets creators and collectors resolve their identities on-chain and in any browser with their website and address under one domain.

Bonfida – Solana Name Service (SNS)

Bonfida is an infrastructure developer on the Solana network. It allows users to register .SOL top-level domains via the Solana Name Service (SNS).These domains can be used to send and receive funds and interact with applications within the Solana ecosystem. Users can also verify their identity by linking their SNS wallet address to their Twitter handle.

Trust Domains

Trust Domains is a distributed domain service based entirely on blockchain technology. Uses can register top-level domains such as .DEFI (Ethereum), .CFX (Conflux Network), .BNB (Binance Smart Chain), and .HC (HecoChain). These domains follow ERC721 token standard, meaning developers can integrate them easily into their applications.

Overall, Blockchain Name System (BNS) is still in its early stages of development, but it has the potential to revolutionise both online identification and the domain name industry by providing a more secure and decentralized alternative to the traditional DNS system.

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