Connecting a blockchain domain to hosting and publishing a website to a decentralized network is a modern way to build censorship-resistant and fault-tolerant web resources. Below is a detailed step-by-step process based on real Web3 tools and technologies such as IPFS, Unstoppable Domains, and ENS.
Acquiring a blockchain domain
First, you need to acquire a blockchain domain. Popular platforms for this are:
- Unstoppable Domains – offers domains with .crypto, .nft, .blockchain, and other extensions. Once purchased, the domain must be “minified” (i.e. written to the blockchain), which is done for free on the Polygon network.
- Ethereum Name Service (ENS) – provides domains with the extension .eth. To register them, you will need a cryptocurrency wallet and pay a transaction fee on the Ethereum network.
Site preparation
Blockchain domains work with static websites consisting of HTML, CSS and JavaScript files. Dynamic technologies such as PHP or databases are not supported. If you already have a website, it must be adapted to a static format.
Hosting the site in decentralized storage
A decentralized IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) network is used to store the site files. Placement process:
- Installing IPFS: Download and install IPFS Desktop or use the command line.
- Adding Files: Upload your site files to IPFS, obtaining a unique hash (CID) that identifies your site on the network.
- Pinning: To ensure that your site is always available, use pinning services such as Pinata or Infura that store your files on the IPFS network.
Binding a domain to a site
Once you have your site’s CID, you need to bind it to your blockchain domain:
Unstoppable Domains:
- Log in to your account and go to “My Domains”.
- Select the domain you want and click “Manage”.
- Under “Website” insert your website CID and save your changes.
ENS:
- Go to ENS Manager and select your domain.
- Set the public resolver (for example, 0x1da022710dF5002339274AaDEe8D58218e9D6AB5).
- Convert your site’s CID to a hex string and paste it into the “Content Record” field.
- Confirm the transaction in your cryptocurrency wallet.
Site Access
Your website can be accessed through browsers that support blockchain domains:
- Brave and Opera: Support blockchain domains by default.
- Chrome and Firefox: Requires installation of the Unstoppable Domains extension or DNS setup via Cloudflare.
You can also use public IPFS gateways such as gateway.pinata.cloud or cloudflare-ipfs.com by adding your site’s CID to the URL.
Updating the site
When making changes to the site:
- Update the files and upload them to IPFS with the new CID.
- Update the CID binding in your domain settings, following the same steps as the initial setup.
Features and limitations
- Static: Blockchain domains only support static sites. Dynamic features such as feedback forms or databases do not work.
- Accessibility: Not all browsers support blockchain domains without additional customizations or extensions.
- Security: Make sure the extensions and services you use are secure to avoid vulnerabilities.
- Cost: Some transactions, especially on the Ethereum network, may require transaction fees.
Conclusion
Connecting a blockchain domain to hosting and publishing a website on a decentralized network is a promising step towards Web3. Despite some limitations, such sites provide a high level of stability and control by the owner. As technology and infrastructure evolve, the process will become more accessible and convenient for a wider audience.
