One Name, Three Worlds: How .locker Bridges DNS, BNS, and ENS
One of the most powerful features of .locker is its ability to exist seamlessly in both Web2 and Web3. Every .locker domain is more than just a domain name. It’s also a Web3 digital identity that connects to the Bitcoin and Ethereum ecosystems. This is possible because every .locker name operates across three name services:
DNS (Domain Name System) – powering the internet with websites and email
BNS (Bitcoin Name System) – a decentralized naming system for the Bitcoin network
ENS (Ethereum Name Service) – a decentralized naming system for the Ethereum network
This unique architecture enables .locker domains to function as traditional websites and as Web3 identities, all with a single name. Let’s dive into how each service works.
DNS: Your .locker Domain Name on the Web You Know
At its core, .locker is a fully ICANN-recognized TLD (top-level domain) that operates just like any other domain on the open internet. .locker domains are managed and resolved by the Domain Name System (DNS), the same system that powers .com, .org, and every other mainstream domain extension. DNS is a centralized system that operates alongside the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to establish required policies and procedures for registrars, registries, and registrants.
Because .locker abides by the policies and procedures of DNS and ICANN, it can be used with traditional web hosting for websites and email. In other words, .locker is a real domain on the internet, recognizable and compatible with existing browsers and infrastructure. Not all domains are interoperable across multiple ecosystems. One of the largest drawbacks of blockchain-native domain extensions is that you cannot use it as a website or email address on Web2. These boundaries limit your domain’s utility and isolates your digital identity to specific ecosystems.
BNS: A Digital Identity Secured on Bitcoin
Here’s where things get innovative. In addition to being a DNS domain, every .locker name is also minted an NFT on the Bitcoin blockchain. This ensures your .locker name is secure, verifiable, and censorship-resistant, inheriting Bitcoin’s robust security model.
Through a custom .locker smart contract on the Stacks L2, each registration creates a corresponding identity on the Bitcoin Name System (BNS) that’s anchored to the Bitcoin blockchain. BNS allows you to use a .locker digital identity for Bitcoin-powered applications, all without needing to manage a separate identity. With your .locker digital identity, you can link wallet addresses, NFTs, and decentralized applications in the Bitcoin ecosystem.
ENS: A Gateway to Ethereum and the EVM Ecosystem
To make .locker even more versatile, we’ve integrated directly with ENS (Ethereum Name Service). When you link an Ethereum address or wallet with the .locker app, our smart contract with the ENS resolver allows .locker names to be used with Ethereum-compatible wallets and decentralized apps. Your single .locker name becomes an Ethereum-compatible identifier, accessible across the rapidly expanding EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) ecosystem.
This integration means you no longer have to juggle multiple Web3 usernames like myname.eth and myname.btc alongside your Web2 domain. One .locker name works everywhere.
Why This Matters
Bringing DNS, BNS, and ENS together unlocks a new standard for digital identities:
- Simplicity: Manage one name for both Web2 and Web3.
- Security: Leverage Bitcoin’s and Ethereum’s blockchain-backed verification.
- Interoperability: Access traditional web platforms and decentralized apps seamlessly.
As the internet evolves, bridging these ecosystems is crucial. .locker’s multi-service architecture empowers individuals and businesses to build a future-proof identity that’s at home in both worlds.
Learn more about .locker at my.locker.
