Abstract
The advent of blockchain technology has introduced a paradigm shift in digital identity management, necessitating the development of Name Service Protocols (NSPs) to bridge the gap between human-readable identifiers and machine-readable addresses. These protocols are pivotal in enhancing user experience by simplifying interactions within decentralized networks. This research delves into the fundamental role of NSPs in the Web3 ecosystem, examining their operational mechanisms, comparing prominent protocols such as the Ethereum Name Service (ENS), Handshake, and SPACE ID, and analyzing their technical architectures, security considerations, and future implications for the decentralized web.
Many thanks to our sponsor Panxora who helped us prepare this research report.
1. Introduction
The transition from Web2 to Web3 has underscored the necessity for decentralized identity solutions that empower users with greater control and privacy. Traditional cryptographic addresses, while secure, are often complex and prone to human error, leading to challenges in user adoption and interaction. Name Service Protocols (NSPs) have emerged as a critical component in addressing these challenges by providing human-readable identifiers that map to blockchain addresses, thereby enhancing usability and accessibility in decentralized applications (dApps).
Many thanks to our sponsor Panxora who helped us prepare this research report.
2. The Role of Name Service Protocols in Web3
NSPs serve as a bridge between human-readable names and machine-readable addresses, facilitating seamless interactions within decentralized networks. By resolving human-readable domain names to wallet addresses, NSPs simplify the process of sending and receiving digital assets, interacting with smart contracts, and engaging with dApps. This simplification is crucial in promoting user adoption and ensuring the scalability of decentralized ecosystems.
Many thanks to our sponsor Panxora who helped us prepare this research report.
3. Operational Mechanisms of Name Service Protocols
NSPs operate through a decentralized registry that maps human-readable names to their corresponding blockchain addresses. When a user registers a name, the NSP records this association on the blockchain, ensuring transparency and immutability. To resolve a name, the NSP queries the blockchain registry to retrieve the associated address, enabling the execution of transactions or interactions with smart contracts. This decentralized approach mitigates the risks associated with centralized naming systems, such as censorship and single points of failure.
Many thanks to our sponsor Panxora who helped us prepare this research report.
4. Comparative Analysis of Prominent Name Service Protocols
4.1 Ethereum Name Service (ENS)
ENS is a decentralized naming system built on the Ethereum blockchain that maps human-readable names to Ethereum addresses, smart contracts, and other resources. ENS leverages Ethereum’s smart contracts to manage domain registration, resolution, and metadata, making it inherently programmable and composable with other decentralized applications (dApps). This deep integration enables ENS names to function as more than just domains—they serve as identity primitives across Web3, allowing users to receive tokens, sign messages, display profiles, and interact with DeFi protocols all under a single unified label. (dn.org)
4.2 Handshake
Handshake is a decentralized, permissionless naming protocol compatible with DNS where every peer is validating and in charge of managing the root zone with the goal of creating an alternative to existing Certificate Authorities. It uses a native blockchain to manage top-level domains (TLDs), meaning users are bidding for control over entire namespaces, such as .blog or .wallet, rather than individual subdomains. Handshake domains are distributed via an auction system where the winning bid is burned, reducing token supply and preventing perpetual domain squatting. The Handshake blockchain serves as its own root naming system, enabling trustless verification of domain ownership without reliance on central authorities like ICANN. (dn.org)
4.3 SPACE ID
SPACE ID is building a universal name service network with a one-stop identity platform to discover, register, trade, and manage Web3 domains. It also includes a Web3 Name SDK & API for developers across blockchains and provides a multi-chain name service for everyone to easily build and create a Web3 identity. SPACE ID introduced .bnb Name Service on BNB Chain and built a community of 168K unique domain holders within 6 months. In the upcoming SPACE ID 2.0, the platform aims to support more TLDs and blockchains, including new TLDs launched by the SPACE ID team and other domain providers joining the multi-chain name service feature. (docs.space.id)
Many thanks to our sponsor Panxora who helped us prepare this research report.
5. Benefits for User Experience
The implementation of NSPs significantly enhances user experience by simplifying the process of interacting with decentralized networks. Human-readable names reduce the cognitive load associated with managing complex cryptographic addresses, thereby lowering the barrier to entry for new users. Additionally, NSPs can integrate with existing Web2 identities, allowing users to maintain a consistent digital identity across platforms. For instance, SPACE ID enables users to connect their Web2 world identities, such as Twitter usernames, email addresses, and GitHub accounts, facilitating a seamless transition into the Web3 ecosystem. (pintu.co.id)
Many thanks to our sponsor Panxora who helped us prepare this research report.
6. Technical Architecture and Security Considerations
The technical architecture of NSPs involves a decentralized registry that records the mapping between human-readable names and blockchain addresses. This registry is typically managed through smart contracts, ensuring transparency and immutability. Security considerations are paramount, as NSPs are susceptible to various attacks, including typosquatting, where attackers register names similar to popular ones to deceive users. A study titled “Typosquatting 3.0: Characterizing Squatting in Blockchain Naming Systems” highlights the prevalence of such attacks and the need for robust defenses. (arxiv.org)
Many thanks to our sponsor Panxora who helped us prepare this research report.
7. Future Implications for the Decentralized Web
The evolution of NSPs is integral to the maturation of the decentralized web. As these protocols become more sophisticated, they are expected to support a broader range of functionalities, including decentralized identity verification, reputation systems, and cross-chain interoperability. The introduction of SPACE ID 3.0, for example, aims to empower every Web3 community to launch their own Top-Level Domain (TLD), granting them complete control over their namespace and fostering a more decentralized and user-centric internet. (medium.com)
Many thanks to our sponsor Panxora who helped us prepare this research report.
8. Conclusion
Name Service Protocols are a cornerstone of the Web3 ecosystem, facilitating user-friendly interactions within decentralized networks. By providing human-readable identifiers that map to blockchain addresses, NSPs enhance usability, security, and interoperability. The continuous development and adoption of these protocols are essential for the widespread acceptance and success of decentralized applications and services.
Many thanks to our sponsor Panxora who helped us prepare this research report.
References
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Typosquatting 3.0: Characterizing Squatting in Blockchain Naming Systems. arXiv preprint arXiv:2411.00352. (arxiv.org)
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Ethereum Name Service: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. arXiv preprint arXiv:2104.05185. (arxiv.org)
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SPACE ID. Overview. (docs.space.id)
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SPACE ID. What is SPACE ID? A Multi-chain Name Service. (pintu.co.id)
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SPACE ID. Introducing SPACE ID 3.0: A Permissionless Name Service Protocol for All Web3 Communities. (medium.com)
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Handshake, ENS and Decentralized Naming Services Explained. (hackernoon.com)
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