.net (network) is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) used on the Internet's Domain Name System. The .net gTLD is currently operated by VeriSign. Registrations are processed via accredited registrars and internationalized domain names are also accepted (see details).
.net is one of the original top-level domains (despite not being mentioned in RFC 920), created in January 1985. It was initially intended for use by network oriented entities such as Internet service providers. Currently, there are no formal restrictions on who can register a .net domain name. Therefore, while still popular with network operators, it is often treated as a second .com.
In addition to being an abbreviation for "network", "net" is also a romanisation of the Russian word нет ("no" or "not", also commonly romanised as the more acoustically appropriate "nyet"), and a domain name like "object.net" can be interpreted as "there is no object". Some domains exploit this pun, for example mozga.net (brain absent) or putina.net (not Vladimir Putin) and DamoW.net (there is no Damien Walsh).
Some online poker or other gambling sites operate real-money games at a .com address and games without actual stakes (promoted as being for fun or education) at the same name in .net. This can be used to get around legal issues regarding the advertising of online gambling in the United States, since the .net site can be promoted legally, but such promotion helps make people aware of the name of the real-money site even in jurisdictions where such things are of questionable legality.