Internet Number Resources

Internet number resources include Internet Protocol (IP) address space (IPv4 and IPv6) and Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs). An IP address is a numeric identifier that includes information about how to reach a network location through the Internet routing system. Every device directly connected to the Internet must have an IP address. Every IP address must be unique for devices to connect to the Internet and to each other. An Autonomous System (AS) is a group of IP networks that use a single and clearly defined routing policy. ASNs are globally unique numbers used to identify these groups of networks. ASNs allow an autonomous system to exchange routing information with neighbouring autonomous systems.

How are Internet Number Resources Distributed?

The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) distributes large blocks of Internet number resources (IPv4, IPv6, ASNs) to the five Regional Internet Registries (RIRs): AFRINIC, APNIC, ARIN, LACNIC, and the RIPE NCC. The RIRs then allocate smaller blocks to organizations within their defined regions.

How Do I Get Internet Number Resources?

Check with the RIR in your region. Each RIR community develops its own regional distribution policies. RIR policies generally set minimum criteria for networks that need Internet number resources.

The Internet community in each region develops technical and operational policies that determine how RIRs manage and administer Internet number resources. For a basic overview of regional policies, see the RIR Comparative Policy Overview.

Last modified on 06/11/2018