This creates wide virtual access to the network while keeping the root server secure.

FORBES: Hacking The Security Experts

He said Icann feared that if any root server were to go offline the damage claims by companies with lost business could be huge.

BBC: Net's servers under scrutiny

Organisations that look after the top level domains such as .uk and .de are asking Icann to give guarantees about root server stability, given that billions of dollars of e-commerce now depend on the safe running of these key servers.

BBC: Net's servers under scrutiny

Specifically, ICANN is responsible for coordinating the assignment of protocol parameters, overseeing the domain name system, allocating IP-address space and managing the root-server system.

CNN: 15 new firms approved to sell Net addresses