11.   Those domain root servers essentially keep identical copies of the information for the .com, .net and other domains that are approved by ICANN.

12.   What happens when the root server suffers a glitch?

13.   For Web browsers to find them, the suffixes must be entered into a database kept on a root server.

14.   If a root server or two fail, the remaining ones can probably handle the load.

15.   In an extreme case, hackers could changing settings at those root servers and redirect all .com traffic.

16.   In addition, Internet service providers and corporate networks generally run local directories that keep track of frequently visited sites to avoid taxing the root servers and zone files.

17.   Should the bulk of computers shift to other root servers already in operation, ICANN would lose its grounding.

18.   The Internet has continued working even when one or more root servers temporarily fail.

19.   Those root servers function as the master directories of the Internet.