RDAP Readiness Enhanced with New Protocol Selector for WHOIS Lookup and DRS

We are excited to announce that a protocol selector has been added to WHOIS Lookup and WHOIS Search (on Domain Research Suite), giving users more flexibility to choose how to retrieve domain registration data. 

With this new feature, users can select from three protocols—RDAP, WHOIS, and Auto.

• RDAP: The Registration Data Access Protocol (RDAP) is the modern successor to WHOIS, addressing its shortcomings by providing a more secure and standardized method of accessing domain registration data. Here’s an example of the registration data for google[.]com retrieved via RDAP.

• WHOIS: This is the traditional protocol used to access registration information, which is now progressively being sunsetted. It’s worth noting that the WHOIS protocol often remains functional based on numerous tests we have conducted across TLDs. Here’s an example of the registration data of google[.]com retrieved via WHOIS.

• Auto: This is an option that automatically selects the best available protocol to retrieve the registration data. If a user chooses the Auto protocol, WHOIS Lookup or WHOIS Search will try to use the WHOIS protocol first. If data can’t be retrieved, the tool will automatically use RDAP. If both WHOIS and RDAP return the same data, WHOIS will be preferred.

The protocol selector enables WHOIS Lookup and Domain Research Suite users to:

• Access the most up-to-date and accurate information: The Auto protocol option intelligently selects the most complete authoritative data source for each domain so users do not need to manually determine which protocol to use for a specific TLD. 

• Cross-validate data: With the new feature, users can look up the registration details of a domain using both protocols and compare the results. This is valuable for security researchers, domain investigators, or anyone who needs to verify the authenticity and consistency of registration data from different sources.

• Future-proof data access: As more registries adopt RDAP, the Auto protocol and RDAP are expected to become more relevant, while the WHOIS option ensures the tool remains functional for domains that have not yet transitioned.

Test WHOIS Lookup now or contact us to learn more about RDAP and WhoisXML API’s continuous efforts to evolve with current standards.