N2T. net (Name-to-Thing) is a unique resolver brand that specializes in indirection, serving content indirectly by forwarding most incoming requests to other servers. It functions similarly to URL shorteners like bit.

ly and t. co, redirecting requests to content servers. The name n2t was chosen for its uniqueness and relative opacity, which helps URLs based at n2t.

net age and travel well, ensuring brand- and language-neutrality. N2T is a scheme-agnostic resolver, currently working for over 900 types of identifiers, including ARKs, DOIs, Handles, PURLs, URNs, and more. It is primarily used for persistent identifiers, providing stable content links that remain functional even when the content is moved to different servers.

Unlike URL shorteners, N2T can store multiple targets and metadata for an identifier and supports CORS for secure JavaScript access. With unique features like suffix passthrough and inflections, N2T offers a comprehensive and flexible resolver solution. Its primary audience includes researchers, academics, cultural heritage institutions, publishers, and organizations supporting education and research.

N2T is maintained by the California Digital Library and plays a crucial role in the global infrastructure as part of the ARK Alliance