RDAP vs WHOIS

WHOIS is an older, unstructured protocol with limited query options and lacks security. RDAP, a modern replacement, offers structured JSON data, advanced queries, HTTPS encryption, and supports internationalization, making it more secure and flexible for accessing domain and IP registration data.

RDAP (Registration Data Access Protocol) and WHOIS are both protocols used to access registration data for domain names and IP addresses, but they have some key differences:

WHOIS:

  • Legacy Protocol: WHOIS is the older of the two, having been around since the early days of the internet.
  • Unstructured Data: WHOIS responses are often plain text and can vary widely in format, depending on the registrar or registry providing the data.
  • Limited Query Capability: WHOIS generally supports only basic queries for domain or IP registration information.
  • Lack of Security: WHOIS does not natively support encrypted communication, making it less secure.
  • No Internationalization: WHOIS data is typically ASCII text, making it less compatible with international characters.

RDAP:

  • Modern Protocol: RDAP was developed to address the shortcomings of WHOIS and provide a more structured and standardized way to access registration data.
  • Structured Data: RDAP returns data in a structured JSON format, making it easier to parse and integrate with applications.
  • Advanced Query Capability: RDAP supports more complex queries, such as filtering and pagination.
  • Security Features: RDAP supports HTTPS, ensuring encrypted communication and improved security.
  • Internationalization: RDAP is designed to handle internationalized domain names and data in multiple languages.

RDAP is intended to eventually replace WHOIS, providing a more robust and secure way to access registration data.sd

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