Regional Internet Registry

A Regional Internet Registry (RIR) is an organisation overseeing the allocation and registration of Internet number resources within a particular region of the world. Resources include IP addresses (both IPv4 and IPv6) and Autonomous System numbers.

There are currently 5 RIRs in operation:

American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) ^* for North America
RIPE Network Coordination Centre (RIPE NCC) ^* for Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia
Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) ^* for Asia and the Pacific region
Latin American and Caribbean Internet Address Registry (LACNIC) ^* for Latin America and the Caribbean region
African Network Information Centre (AfriNIC) ^* for Africa

Why the RIRs were created

Every device linked to a network needs to have an IP address. IP addresses and AS numbers are finite resources. This means that one day they will run out. There needs to be effective and neutral management of these resources to ensure fair and even distribution as well as to prevent hoarding.

The relationship between RIRs and ICANN

The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) delegates Internet resources to the RIRs, and in turn, the RIRs follow their regional policies for further sub-delegation of resources to their customers, which include Internet service providers and end-user organizations.

Collectively, the RIRs participate in the Number Resource Organization (NRO) ^* formed as a body to represent their collective interests, undertake joint activities, and coordinate RIR activities globally.

The NRO has entered into an agreement with ICANN for the establishment of the Address Supporting Organisation (ASO), which undertakes coordination of global IP addressing policies within the ICANN framework.

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Why the RIRs were created

The relationship between RIRs and ICANN

See also