DNS – Domain Name Service
Most internet savvy folks are familiar with a DNS which is like a phone book for the internet. Every computer on a network has a unique IP (Internet Protocol) address which often takes the form xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx.
This address is the unique network identifier for any network address. Every website is ultimately identified by this address, but it would be unwieldy to remember this number for every website you wanted to visit, DNS solves this problem by translating the IP address into something readable.
You can find the IP address of any website by opening a command line and typing “ping <URL>” where the URL is a website you want to know the IP address of.
The DNS service is what allows the translation of the IP to the URL (such as BowTiedIsland.com) and back
ENS – Ethereum Name Service
ENS works in a similar way to DNS except that it allows individuals to connect various social media profiles, avatars, and of course crypto wallets to the same address.
I can now give people a much simpler and easier to remember address: BowTiedWolfdog.eth
Registration Process
To register an ENS domain, you will first need an ERC-20 compatible wallet such as Metamask or Mew Wallet, you will want to have around $200 or so worth of ETH (at the time of this writing) in this wallet to complete the entire registration process, and update any of the wallet addresses and text records, depending on your needs. More advanced users will want to check the FAQ for information on additional use cases
After that all that is required is to visit the ENS Registration site and search for the address you wish to register.
Assuming the Ethereum Name you want is available, and you will need to connect the wallet you wish to use by clicking the “Connect” button on the left pane
The following screen will appear with the various wallet options
Once you have a connected wallet click on “Request To Register” and you will be guided through the registration process which requires a 1 minute wait, and approval of the transaction from within your wallet extension.
Upon successful registration, you will be directed to the configuration page for your address which is where you can update the Registrant and controller information, as well as any wallet and social information.
Clicking on “Add/Edit Record” will allow you to update any of the content you wish, you must then scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Confirm”
It is important to note that since this information is stored on the blockchain each update will incur a small gas fee, which is around $10 USD at the time of this writing
The following items can currently be modified through the ENS app
The future is individuals, not companies. And it is very likely that this service or one like it will serve as your business card, and clearing house.
Written by BowTiedWolfdog.