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| Due to the Internet's rapid growth during the 1990s, [[ISP]]s established Regional Internet Registries. The creation of RIRs was made based on the desire to develop the Internet through consistent global policies. The RIRs also work together on joint projects. | | Due to the Internet's rapid growth during the 1990s, [[ISP]]s established Regional Internet Registries. The creation of RIRs was made based on the desire to develop the Internet through consistent global policies. The RIRs also work together on joint projects. |
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− | Nowadays, managing the space for Internet addresses involves the cooperation and communication between the five RIRs; which share a global responsibility through [[IANA]]. Over the last decade, the oversight for Internet address space has evolved into a simpler and more centralized system.<ref>[http://www.apnic.net/about-APNIC/organization/history-of-apnic/history-of-the-internet2 About RIRs]</ref> | + | Nowadays, managing the space for Internet addresses involves the cooperation and communication between the five RIRs, which share a global responsibility through [[IANA]]. Over the last decade, the oversight for Internet address space has evolved into a simpler and more centralized system.<ref>[http://www.apnic.net/about-APNIC/organization/history-of-apnic/history-of-the-internet2 About RIRs]</ref> |
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| The five RIRs represent different regions: | | The five RIRs represent different regions: |
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| ==RIR tasks/functions== | | ==RIR tasks/functions== |
− | Each RIR has the main task to create and develop local policy for managing the allocation of identity elements such as unique Internet protocol ([[IP]]) addresses and numbers which are used by routers, switches and computers over the Internet. | + | Each RIR has the main task to create and develop local policies for managing the allocation of identity elements, such as unique Internet protocol ([[IP]]) addresses and the numbers used by routers, switches, and computers over the Internet. |
− | The main tasks/functions of each individual RIR are listed below: | + | |
| + | ===The creation of PDP=== |
| + | The policy development process is proposed by a policy working group from various organizations and members of an [[RIR]]. Based on the PDP, various policies are discussed within a specific community and ratified by the [[RIR]] Board after consensus has been reached. |
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| + | The specific stages involved in PDP ratification are: |
| + | # The policy development process is proposed (by any member). |
| + | # It is further analyzed by the appropriate [[RIR]] via mailing lists. Anyone can join such discussions. |
| + | # After a period of 30 days, the PDP is brought to an open public meeting for further discussion and the possibility of consensus. |
| + | # If consensus is achieved, then the next step will be applied. If consensus is not achieved, another period of 30 days will be allowed for more discussion and debate, until a consensus is achieved. If consensus is still not achieved, the PDP may be abandoned. |
| + | # If consensus is achieved, another period of 15 days will be given for anyone from the community to provide new observations and suggestions for final changes. |
| + | # The policy is ratified by the Board of Trustees and the policy is adopted for use.<ref>[http://www.afrinic.net/pdp.htm PDP process]</ref> |
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| + | The other functions of each RIR are: |
| * To provide appropriate registry documentation regarding the allocation of [[IP|Internet Protocol]] address space ([[IPv4]] and [[IPv6]]) and the [[ASN|Autonomous System numbers]]; | | * To provide appropriate registry documentation regarding the allocation of [[IP|Internet Protocol]] address space ([[IPv4]] and [[IPv6]]) and the [[ASN|Autonomous System numbers]]; |
| * To assist the development of Internet routing tables; | | * To assist the development of Internet routing tables; |
| * To support the development of [[CIDR]] (Classless Inter-Domain Routing) techniques; | | * To support the development of [[CIDR]] (Classless Inter-Domain Routing) techniques; |
| * To ensure protection against stockpiling and other types of manipulation that could lead to instabilities;<ref>[http://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/definition/Regional-Internet-Registry-RIR RIR tasks/functions]</ref> | | * To ensure protection against stockpiling and other types of manipulation that could lead to instabilities;<ref>[http://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/definition/Regional-Internet-Registry-RIR RIR tasks/functions]</ref> |
− | * The RIR represents the interests of its community by organizing forums and supporting the organizations involved in the coordination of the Internet. | + | * To represent the interests of its community by organizing forums and supporting the organizations involved in the coordination of the Internet. |
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| ==RIR and IANA== | | ==RIR and IANA== |
| [[IANA]] (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority) is the institution that allocates [[IP]] addresses to each individual RIR upon request. Then, each individual RIR is responsible for the allocation of addresses towards Internet Service Providers ([[ISP]]s), educational institutions, companies, government bodies and other such institutions. <ref>[http://whatismyipaddress.com/rir RIR and IANA]</ref> | | [[IANA]] (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority) is the institution that allocates [[IP]] addresses to each individual RIR upon request. Then, each individual RIR is responsible for the allocation of addresses towards Internet Service Providers ([[ISP]]s), educational institutions, companies, government bodies and other such institutions. <ref>[http://whatismyipaddress.com/rir RIR and IANA]</ref> |
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− | All RIRs participate in the body which was created to represent their collective interests, keep them in contact, and coordinate their efforts; known as the [[NRO|Number Resource Organization]], it was founded in October, 2003 when the four RIRs decided to enter into a [[MoU]]. Later, when the RIR [[AfriNIC]] was created in 2005 it joined the MoU as well as the [[NRO]]. | + | All RIRs participate in the body which was created to represent their collective interests, keep them in contact, and coordinate their efforts; known as the [[NRO|Number Resource Organization]], it was founded in October 2003 when the four RIRs decided to enter into a [[MoU]]. Later, when the RIR [[AfriNIC]] was created in 2005 it joined the MoU as well as the [[NRO]]. |
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| ==References== | | ==References== |