If I understand correctly, root means that they are authoritative. They are effectively independent of the classical root DNS servers and provide custom top level domains (TLDs) such as .geek which are not available in the regular DNS system. Non root DNS servers merely relay requests to root servers or other DNS servers and cache response records according to their time to live (TTL).

[–] RobotToaster@mander.xyz 4 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Most DNS systems just act as a cache for the "root" domain name servers controlled by ICANN, an American corporation.

This operates independently and adds their own, additional, top level domains.

[–] quediuspayu@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

That last part is what is catching my attention the most.
Does that mean that those domains can only be seen through their dns servers? Or just registered through them and everyone can see them?

Looks like using any other dns only has down sides.

[–] borari@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 1 month ago

Yes it means those domains can only been resolved though their DNS servers.

[–] darklamer@lemmy.dbzer0.com -3 points 1 month ago (1 children)

It's an open and democratic alternative DNS root.

[–] quediuspayu@lemmy.dbzer0.com 8 points 1 month ago

Repeating the first line of text doesn't help much. I've heard of DNS servers, but root? This is the first time. I'm trying to read about it and still can't see the difference.