Share this article
Chinese University Proposes Managing Web Domains On a Blockchain
A patent application by the Shenzhen Graduate School outlines a blockchain platform for managing top-level web domains.
By Nikhilesh De
Updated Sep 13, 2021, 8:27 a.m. Published Oct 5, 2018, 3:15 p.m.
Make us preferred on Google
A major Chinese university is proposing blockchain technology as a better way to manage web domain names.
According to a patent application published Thursday by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the Shenzhen Graduate School at Peking University is examining how a "consortium blockchain" can improve security and efficiency in managing top-level domains (TLDs)
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Don't miss another story.Subscribe to the Crypto Daybook Americas Newsletter today. See all newsletters
While the currently standard internet domain name system is already based on a distributed system, there are "technical problems," the team contends.
For example, the current distribution of root name servers is unevenly around the world. As a result, the filing states:
"Internet users in Asia enjoy a significantly slower domain name resolution speed than users in North America do, and when a root name server in Asia malfunctions, more than 20 million Internet users' requests for domain name resolution will be affected. It also results in a significantly lower reliability in Asian domain name resolution."
As the blockchain "invention" shares data in a "public and immutable way," it says, "trusted agencies and even individuals can access information on blockchain and build a corresponding seed file database to store the mapping relations between the top-level and sub-domain name system."
As a result, all regions can set up domain name servers according to their real-world needs "in order to ensure the speed of internet access without being limited by other institutions."
The proposed system also separates the domain name system into two layers, each corresponding to a sub-domain name system, it goes on. How the sub-domain system is designed is decided by the holder of the TLD. "Therefore," the filing states, "the sub-domain name system can be designed as either centralized system or decentralized system according to the institutions' wishes."
An additional claimed advantage is that, being based on a system of distributed nodes, no "consortium or small group" can control the entire process. While cryptocurrencies are potentially prone to what's called a 51 percent attack (in which an entity that controls more than half of the network can rewrite transactions in their favor), only allowing "trusted" nodes means the proof-of-work mechanism by which miners secure a network "is not required," the filing says.
The team further touts the system as "completely compatible with the existing internet." While a "more concise and efficient consensus mechanism," brings security and reliability, and a layered structure "ensures the efficiency and portability of the system."
Peking University west gate image via aphotostory / Shutterstock
More For You
KuCoin captured a record share of centralised exchange volume in 2025, with more than $1.25tn traded as its volumes grew faster than the wider crypto market.
What to know:
- KuCoin recorded over $1.25 trillion in total trading volume in 2025, equivalent to an average of roughly $114 billion per month, marking its strongest year on record.
- This performance translated into an all-time high share of centralised exchange volume, as KuCoin’s activity expanded faster than aggregate CEX volumes, which slowed during periods of lower market volatility.
- Spot and derivatives volumes were evenly split, each exceeding $500 billion for the year, signalling broad-based usage rather than reliance on a single product line.
- Altcoins accounted for the majority of trading activity, reinforcing KuCoin’s role as a primary liquidity venue beyond BTC and ETH at a time when majors saw more muted turnover.
- Even as overall crypto volumes softened mid-year, KuCoin maintained elevated baseline activity, indicating structurally higher user engagement rather than short-lived volume spikes.
More For You
Bitcoin slips below $88,000 ahead of Fed week and Big Tech earnings
Bitcoin and major tokens weakened Sunday as markets position ahead of the Federal Reserve’s next rate decision and a heavy slate of Magnificent Seven earnings.
What to know:
- Bitcoin fell below $88,000 in thin weekend trading, extending a weeklong pullback that has left most major cryptocurrencies sharply lower.
- Market sentiment remains fragile after more than $1 billion in leveraged crypto positions were liquidated amid recent volatility in currencies and bond markets.
- Traders are watching potential Japanese yen intervention, U.S. political brinkmanship over a spending bill and a heavy tech-earnings calendar, as the Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates unchanged.
Top Stories
