Regional Internet Registry

RIR is the acronym for Regional Internet Registry and represents a not-for-profit international organization that deals with the allocation of Internet Protocol (IP) address space (IPv4 and IPv6) and the Autonomous System (AS) numbers within a geographical region.

Short overview

Due to the Internet's rapid growth during the 1990's, the ISPs (Internet Service Providers) established Regional Internet Registries (RIRs). The creation of RIRs was made based on the RFC 2050 and had as main objective the development of consistent global policies. The RIRs also work together on joint projects.

Nowadays, the managing the space for Internet addresses involves the cooperation and communication between the five RIRs which share a global responsibility which was assigned by IANA. Over the last decade, the regime for Internet address space has evolved into a much simpler one, but due to a better centralization.

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. The main tasks/functions of each individual RIR are listed below:

• To provide appropriate registry documentation regarding the allocation of Internet Protocol (IP) address space (IPv4 and IPv6) and the Autonomous System (AS) numbers;
• To assist the development of Internet routing tables;
• 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;
• The RIR represents the interests of its community by organizing forums and supporting the organizations involved in the coordination of the Internet.

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 (ISPs), educational institutions, companies, government bodies and other such institutions.

All RIRs participate in the body which was created to represent their collective interests known as "Number Resource Organization" (NRO) - was founded in 23 October year 2003 when the four RIR decided to enter into a MoU (Momorandum of Understanding). Later, when the RIR AfriNIC was created in 2005 joined the MoU as well as the NRO. This is how the five RIRs cooperate and stay in touch with each other. The RIRs are united by means of the NRO.

Worldwide RIRs

At worldwide level there are five RIR which deal with the with the allocation of Internet Protocol (IP) address space (IPv4 and IPv6) and the Autonomous System (AS) numbers based on the region each RIR represents

ARIN

Is the RIR responsible for the allocation of IP addresses for the region of North America, Canada, US and portion of the Caribbean. Was established in 1997.

RIPE NCC

Originally known as "The Reseaux IP Europeens Network Coordination Centre" is the RIR responsible for the allocation of IP addresses for the region of Europe, Middle East and Central Asia. Was established in 1992

APNIC

Is the RIR responsible for the allocation of IP addresses for the region of Asia and Pacific Rim. Was established and became active starting with 1993.

LACNIC

Is the RIR responsible for the allocation of IP addresses for the region of Latin America and the Caribbean which is not covered by ARIN. Was established in 2001.

AfriNIC

Is the RIR responsible for the allocation of IP addresses for the African continent. Became operational in 2005.