Hosts ====== IRS uses `EPP host objects `_ To protect the availability and stability of the .nz DNS infrastructure, InternetNZ may revalidate and, in severe cases, remove Host data from the DNS should it fail to meet technical or operational criteria. Host behaviours ---------------- .nz superordinate names ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Only the sponsor of a .nz superordinate domain name can create the subordinate host object. For example, you could not create ns1.exampletestdomain.co.nz if exampletestdomain.co.nz was registered with another registrar. When a .nz superordinate name is transferred, then the subordinate host object is also transferred to the new sponsor. When a .nz superordinate domain name goes into redemption period and the host object is linked to other domains then: * A ‘delegation lost’ poll message is sent to registrars. This is to inform affected registrars that they need to take action. Either to restore the superordinate domain if they manage that or to arrange for alternative hosts for the affected domains they do manage. * The subordinate host objects will remain in existence until such time that the superordinate domain passes out of redemption period and goes into pending delete. (Note however that only hosts that are in use (ie linked status) will remain in the zone). * When a .nz superordinate domain name is deleted from the database (in pending delete), then the subordinate host record is also deleted. When a .nz superordinate domain name is restored and the subordinate host object was previously linked to other domains, then: * A ‘delegation recovered’ poll message is sent to registrars; and * The host associations are reinstated. Host object sponsors ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Only the sponsor can update the host object. External host objects ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ External host objects, i.e. outside the .nz zone, cannot be deleted until there are no domain names associated with it. External host objects orphaned for >90 days are removed by the IRS housekeeper job. IP addresses are not required for external host objects. Host IP addresses ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ IRS does not allow two hosts with the same assigned IP address to be associated with a specific domain name. Any attempt to assign 2 or more hosts with the same IP address to a domain name will return a "Unique IP address required for Host" error. In EPP the error code will be "8088". In IRS, the number of hosts assigned to a domain are restricted to either 0 or 2 - 13. IRS allows for five IPv4 and five IPv6 IP addresses. IRS requires IP address glue for all hosts subordinate to .nz and will always publish these in the zone file regardless of whether this is necessary for resolution. Host objects - general ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Host objects are shared among multiple registrars. This means any registrar can associate a domain name to any host object. Any registrar can create a host for a superordinate domain that is outside the .nz zone. All host objects can be locked, by the: * Registry applying the serverUpdateProhibited and serverDeleteProhibited statuses; * Registrar applying client statuses to prevent updates or deletes; or * Selecting the host lock option as a part of registry lock. Host Search ------------ The host search function in the IRS portal allows for a basic search and advanced search where you can build queries to perform complex searches. Host information ------------------ Further information on hosts including creating a host, updating a host and deleting a host can be found in the Hosts section of the `IRS Registrar Guide `_