What is Bitcoin Name Service (BNS)?

What is Bitcoin Name Service (BNS)?

Bitcoin Name Service (BNS) is a decentralized naming database that was first deployed in June of 2021 by Muneeb, the CEO and Founder of Stacks. Built on the Bitcoin blockchain and facilitated by the Stacks blockchain infrastructure, BNS serves as a vital component of the Web3 landscape. It provides human-readable .btc domain names (e.g. stacksonchain.btc) that directly map to the cumbersome alphanumeric wallet addresses.

This setup is similar to the traditional Domain Name System (DNS), but it operates on a peer-to-peer framework. This system ensures that each domain is unique, represents meaningful human concepts, and is secured through cryptographic keys. BNS operates with a three-tiered structure: namespaces at the top, followed by BNS names, and then BNS subdomains, registered through clarity smart contracts. Currently, the BNS ecosystem has attracted over 310,000 unique addresses, showcasing its significant appeal among Bitcoin users.

‍

How Does BNS Work?

BNS harnesses the security of Stacks and Bitcoin to facilitate asset and NFT management within the Bitcoin Web3 ecosystem. Through the implementation of Clarity smart contracts and a decentralized server setup, BNS sets a standard for ownership, transferring, and managing .btc domains, making cryptographic addresses accessible and human-friendly.

Here’s a breakdown of how BNS operates effectively:

• Registration: Users can engage with the BNS platform to secure .btc domain names through a systematized transaction process on the Stacks blockchain. You can use platforms like btc.us to complete this.
• Name Hierarchy: The architecture of BNS is categorized into namespaces, BNS names, and BNS subdomains, ensuring a structured approach to domain management.
• Smart Contracts: Using Clarity language, these contracts maintain and confirm the synchronization of BNS names across the network.
• Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs): Establishes a permanent identifier for each name, compatible with other DID-utilizing systems.
• Peer-to-Peer Network: By operating on a decentralized network, BNS ensures its database is resistant to censorship and server downtime.

BNS leverages this structured framework to provide a secure, reliable mechanism for the registration and management of digital identities on the Bitcoin network.

‍

Namespaces vs BNS Names vs Subdomains

In Bitcoin Name Service (BNS), the naming architecture consists of namespaces, BNS names, and subdomains, each fulfilling a specific role within the system. Here’s how each layer works:

• Namespaces: These top-tier elements in the BNS hierarchy function like DNS top-level domains. Anyone can create a namespace, but creators do not hold ownership; this design allows for various BNS names to be registered within each namespace.
• BNS Names: Positioned within a namespace, BNS names are recorded on the blockchain, ensuring security and transparency. The availability of a BNS name depends on its corresponding namespace. These names are human-readable (e.g., stacks.btc') and are secured by specific private keys, affirming strong ownership for users.
• Subdomains: Situated below BNS names, subdomains are stored off-chain, facilitating more detailed or personal naming at reduced costs and increased efficiency. Subdomains are managed through private keys and are connected to the blockchain via their primary BNS name, which allows for precise control over their operations.

This structured hierarchy in BNS enhances flexibility and efficacy, providing secure, cost-effective, and straightforward management of digital identities on the blockchain.

‍

Bitcoin Name Service Registration Fee

To register a Bitcoin Name Service (BNS) domain, the cost involves a fixed fee of 2 STX (Stacks tokens). This fee grants ownership of the .btc domain for five years. Keep in mind, these costs are exclusive of any transaction fees that may also be required at the time of purchase. 

Users need to ensure they have sufficient STX in their compatible wallets to complete the transaction when purchasing a .btc domain through the BNS system.

‍

Closing Thoughts

In summary, BNS significantly simplifies the management of onchain identities by integrating .btc domains in a manner akin to .eth on Ethereum. By leveraging the Stacks blockchain and Clarity smart contracts, BNS not only enhances the security of digital assets but also makes the web more accessible and user-friendly. Pushing past traditional systems, BNS's innovative approach, with its manageable registration fee and robust architecture, promises to redefine how we interact with blockchain applications.