Method and apparatus for managing domain

A domain management method and an apparatus thereof are provided to efficiently and safely manage home network domains with users in the center by enabling a domain manager in a home to provide information about the domains established in the home, information necessary for the utilization of contents of each domain, and information associated with domain security to other home devices. A system including a domain management apparatus comprises home devices(10-18), a domain manager(20), and a CP(Contents Provider)/RI(Rights Issuer)(30). The domain manager(20), located in a home, manages domains(40,42). The domain manager(20) accesses the CP/RI(30) through the Internet on behalf of the other home devices(10-18) and obtains authentication for rights to utilize contents, without the necessity of providing information about the home devices(10-18) to the CP/RI(30). Also, the domain manager(20) has a function capable of registering at a domain and utilizing contents in the domain. The first domain(40) and the second domain(42) are formed for the first user(30) and the second user(32), respectively. In the first domain(40), home devices(10-14) exist. The second domain(42) contains home devices(16,18).