1. Commerce
  2. System Management
  3. Domains
  4. Introduction to Domains

Introduction to Domains

Every website is located (hosted) in a specific physical location (domain) on a web server connected to the internet. The physical location is identified by an IP address, which is a long string of numbers that's hard to remember. To make things easier, each website's IP address is linked to a text-based domain name, like www.example.com.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

When a user wants to access a website, they type the domain name into their browser, which sends the domain name to a global network of servers that form the Domain Name System (DNS). These servers contain lists of domain names and their associated IP addresses. The servers look through these lists, find the IP address for the domain, and then send the browser’s request to the right web server. The web server is where the website is located. The web server fetches the website and sends it back to the browser.

Commerce web stores are hosted on NetSuite servers. You can use your own domain name by linking it to your website’s location on the NetSuite hosting domain. For example, if you have the following domain names registered – shop.mysite.com and www.mysite.com – you can use them for your Commerce web store.

Domains Simplified

If you’re not familiar with domains, think of it like trying to find a store you’ve never been to before. The store sits on a plot of land (domain) that's part of a big retail park (web server). You can enter the store’s coordinates (IP address) into your GPS (web browser), or use the easier-to-remember store address (domain name). Your GPS sends messages to the satellite network (DNS) and works out how to get you to the store. The store has different areas, like the reception, clothing section, accessories, and checkout. These areas are like the different pages on your website.

Domain Setup Checklist

Complete the items on the following checklist to set up your website domains:

  1. Decide which domain types you need for your website — see Types of Domains.

  2. Determine how to set up your shopping and checkout domains — see Domain Options for Web Stores.

  3. Buy the domain names you need from a domain registrar like godaddy.com or name.com.

  4. Set up, secure, and deploy (if needed) your chosen domain type — see Set Up a Domain.

  5. Link your domain name with your NetSuite domain — Point Your Domain Name at Your Domain (DNS Settings).

Related Topics

General Notices