Unstoppable Domain – Better than ENS?

Introduction

Are you tired of dealing with complicated and hard-to-remember wallet addresses when sending cryptocurrencies? 

To understand how it works, let’s understand DNS (Domain Name Service). It is a helpful service that translates human-readable addresses into machine-readable ones. When you type in a website like google.com, DNS ensures your computer communicates with the right server using an IP address. This process, though complex in the background, is user-friendly for you.

Now, in the crypto world, Ethereum Name Service (ENS) serves a similar purpose, translating human-readable addresses into machine-readable ones. For instance, “chaintech.eth” can be your wallet address. Unstoppable Domains, akin to ENS, enhances this concept with a few advantages.

As a leading NFT Domain provider, it simplifies crypto domains, making it easy to remember and use while sending Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any other cryptocurrency with just one domain.

Let’s understand how Unstoppable Domains is better than ENS!

What is Unstoppable Domain? 

Unstoppable Domain was founded by Matthew Gould in 2018. It deals with crypto addresses easier. It’s designed to be like the DNS system for the internet, where you don’t need to remember complex IP addresses to access websites. 

With Unstoppable Domains, you can manage payments over 300 digital assets using a single domain name, and these domains can also function as complete websites with additional features.

The platform stands out because you only need to make a one-time payment without worrying about yearly renewal fees. Unstoppable Domains uses blockchain technology for registration, using a system called the Crypto Name Service (CNS) which is built on a cardano network instead of traditional domain name services (DNS).

How does Unstoppable Domain work? 

Unstoppable Domains operate by utilizing NFTs and smart contracts. It provides full ownership and control to users with their internet domains. These domains are essentially NFTs, built on the Crypto Name Service (CNS) technology.

The Crypto Name Service protocol is instrumental in creating blockchain domain names. Unstoppable Domains issues decentralised domains in the form of ERC-721 standard NFTs. This standard ensures a seamless API implementation for NFTs within smart contracts, allowing easy tracking and transfer of these unique tokens.

By adopting an easily transferable NFT standard for domain issuance, Unstoppable Domains facilitates integration into various decentralised applications. Domain owners can manage their domains efficiently through compatible exchanges, wallets, marketplaces, and DeFi infrastructures.

Features of Unstoppable Domain

One-Time Purchase:

Users make a single purchase for their domain with no annual renewal, offering a departure from traditional domain ownership models.

Censor Resistance:

Domains are resistant to censorship, ensuring they cannot be taken down by anyone other than the rightful owner, providing heightened control.

Enhanced Functionality:

Unstoppable Domains go beyond traditional domains. They can function as payment routers and support the creation of websites with decentralised applications (dApps) directly built on the blockchain.

Versatile Payment Routing:

Users can receive over 300 different crypto assets using one domain address. Simplifies transactions by routing payments to specified wallets for each cryptocurrency.

Ease of Use:

Offers a simplified experience for both domain owners and those making payments. Eliminates the need for users to memorise multiple complex addresses.

Pros & Cons of Unstoppable Domain

Pros:

One-time Registration:

Domains are purchased once with no annual renewal fees, providing long-term ownership.

Extreme Security:

Utilises blockchain technology, known for its high-security standards, offering resistance to brute force attacks.

Simplified Cryptocurrency Use:

Facilitates transactions with 310 different cryptocurrencies using a single domain name, streamlining crypto interactions.

Censorship Resistance:

Immune to traditional censorship methods, ensuring domains cannot be blocked or taken offline by governments or companies.

Native Support for Decentralised Apps:

Native support for dApps on these domains, enhancing usability within the blockchain ecosystem.

Cons:

Limited Browser Support:

While some browsers like Brave and Opera offer native support, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge require add-ons to access these domains, though this might change in the future.

Early Stage Web Hosting:

Hosting standard websites on Unstoppable Domains requires specific hosting services using the Interplanetary File System (IPFS), with fewer options compared to traditional web hosting.

ETH Spending for Domain Claim:

Claiming a domain involves a one-time transaction fee in Ethereum, which is potentially seen as a hurdle, especially if users need to purchase Ethereum to cover gas fees.

Limited Availability for Some Domains:

Some domains are available only through pre-sale, limiting immediate access for certain names.

Competitors of Unstoppable Domain

Yats:

Yats introduces emoji usernames for a universal internet identity, website URLs, and payment addresses. Operating as an emoji ID, it connects keys to associated data, providing a comprehensive online identity.

Handshake:

Handshake is a decentralised naming protocol, allowing each peer to validate and manage the root DNS naming zone. Its aim is to create an alternative to existing Certificate Authorities and naming systems, giving users more control over their online identities.

Ethereum Name Service (ENS):

ENS, built on the Ethereum blockchain, maps human-readable names (e.g., ‘chaintech.eth’) to machine-readable identifiers like Ethereum addresses and content hashes. ENS simplifies user interactions with blockchain technologies through a decentralised naming solution.

Conclusion

Unstoppable Domains stands out as a groundbreaking innovation, offering everyone the opportunity to embrace the next era of human-readable addresses and blockchain-based websites. 

Unstoppable Domains excels in simplifying the process for the average user, eliminating the necessity for initial cryptocurrency ownership. While they have clear benefits, there are also challenges that need to be addressed for more people to start using this technology.

These domains are now becoming popular for hosting regular websites and online apps and Unstoppable Domains presents itself as one of the most accessible avenues to secure your own. 

If you’ve had any encounters with Unstoppable Domains, feel free to share your experiences in the comments below.