RIR Comparative Policy Overview 2008-03

RIR Comparative Policy Overview (version 2008-03)

The goal of this document is to provide a comparative overview of policies across the Regional Internet Registry (RIR) system. It is not a policy statement by the RIRs, but serves as a reference for the Internet community. While this document was accurate on the date of publication (21 August 2008), it may be outdated by subsequent policy implementations. The official policy documents can be found at the respective websites of the RIRs. This is a public document that will be reviewed and revised quarterly through the coordinated efforts of the RIRs.

For more information, refer to the AFRINIC, APNIC, ARIN, LACNIC, and RIPE NCC websites.

1. General

1.1 Goals of the RIR System

RIR Policy
AFRINIC 

APNIC

ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

All allocations and
assignments of Internet resources must be consistent with the goals of the
Internet Registry system: aggregation, conservation and registration.

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1.2 Membership

RIR Category Policy
AFRINIC Qualification Membership is open to organizations legally present in the AFRINIC region of service.
Access to registration services Registration service is accessible by members only. Registered
resources are publicly available.
Fee model Not-for profit. Fee established to enable cost recovery of
operations.
APNIC Qualification Only organizations that are located in the APNIC region or have networks located in the APNIC region may apply for resources.
Access to registration services Members have full access to all services. Non-member account holders may access resource assignment and allocation services.
Fee model Not-for-profit organisation. Fee schedule established to enable cost recovery of operations.
ARIN Qualification Open globally without conditions. Organisations that receive allocations automatically become members.
Access to registration services Do not need to be a member to receive registration services.
Fee model Not-for-profit organisation. Fee schedule established to enable
cost recovery of operations.
LACNIC Qualification Membership is open to LACNIC region only, without conditions.
Access to registration services Organisations approved for IP addresses automatically become
members. It is not necessary to become a member to obtain some services like
ASN assignments. Only organisations based in LACNIC region may apply for
resources.
Fee model Not-for-profit organisation. Fee schedule established to enable
cost recovery of operations.
RIPE NCC Qualification Membership is open globally without conditions.
Access to registration services Members only.
Fee model Not-for-profit organisation. Fee schedule established to enable
cost recovery of operations.

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1.3 Allocation Terms and Conditions

1.3.1 Type of Custodianship

RIR Policy
AFRINIC Valid as long as original criteria remain satisfied.
APNIC Allocates and assigns on a ‘license’ basis, to be of specific limited
duration (normally 1 year). Licenses are renewable if: a) the original basis
of the allocation or assignment remains valid and b) requirements have been
met at time of renewal.
ARIN 

LACNIC

Valid as long as original criteria remain satisfied and registration
fees are kept up to date.
RIPE NCC Valid as long as original criteria remain satisfied.

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1.3.2 Transfer of Custodianship

RIR Policy
AFRINIC 

ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

Do not allow sale of addresses, but recognise name changes and
transfers of tangible assets associated with addresses. Requires submission
of legal documents. Utilisation is verified. May require new agreement.
APNIC As above, with the exception of “historical resource transfers”.
“Historical” resources can be transferred to APNIC members without the need
for the technical justification procedures.

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1.3.3 Recovering Unused Resources

RIR Policy Comment
AFRINIC ARIN 

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

Valid as long as original criteria remain satisfied. Do not actively recover unused resources, but if an organisation
closes, unused resources are returned to the public pool.
APNIC Valid as long as original criteria remain satisfied. Has policy
to actively recover ‘unused’ networks.
If an organisation ceases
operation, unused resources are returned to the public pool.

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2. IPv4

2.1 Initial Allocation

RIR Category Policy
AFRINIC Size Slow start: /22 (can be exceeded when justified by requesting
LIR).
Eligibility The requesting organisation must show an existing efficient
utilization of IP addresses from their upstream provider or an immediate need
of IP addresses. Justification may be based on a combination of immediate
need and existing usage.
Period 1 year.
APNIC Size Slow start: /22 (can be exceeded when documented immediate infrastructure need exceeds /22).
Eligibility a) Membership or pay non-member fee; b) have previously used or can demonstrate immediate need for /24; c) complied with policies in managing all previous address space; d) detailed plan for use of a /23 within a year; e) commit to renumber from previously deployed space.
Period 1 year.
ARIN Size Slow start: /22 minimum for multihomed, otherwise /20 (can be
exceeded when documented immediate need exceeds /20).
Eligibility For a /22: efficient utilisation of a /23 from upstream; intent to multihome; agree to renumber, 

or

For a /21: efficient utilisation of /22 from upstream; intent to multihome; agree to renumber,

or

For a /20: efficient utilisation of /21 from upstream; intent to multihome; agree to renumber,

or

Efficient utilisation of /20 from upstream (no renumbering required).

Period 3 months.
LACNIC Size Slow start: /21, otherwise /20 (can be exceeded when documented
immediate need exceeds /20).
Eligibility For a /21: documented need of a /23; 

or

For a /20:

Must have /22 from upstream; multihomed; agree to renumber within 12 months.

or

If not multihomed must demonstrate use of /21 from upstream and agree to
renumber within 12 months.

or

Demonstrate immediate need.

Period 3 months.
RIPE NCC Size Slow start: /21 (can be exceeded when justified).
Eligibility a) Membership; b) Demonstration of need.
Period Up to 12 months.

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2.2 Subsequent Allocations

RIR Category Policy Comment
AFRINIC Size Minimum /22, no maximum.
Eligibility Demonstrate 80% efficient utilisation of all prior allocated space
or an immediate need that requires more IP addresses than are available in
the LIRs most recent allocation.
Period Up to 1 year.
APNIC Size Minimum /21, no maximum.
Eligibility Demonstrate 80% efficient utilisation of all prior allocated
space.
Period Up to 1 year.
ARIN Size Minimum /22 for multihomed, otherwise /20, no maximum.
Eligibility Demonstrate efficient utilisation of all previous allocations and
at least 80% of the most recent allocation.
Period 3 months. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) may request 12 months
after they have been an ARIN member for one year.
LACNIC Size Minimum /20, no maximum.
Eligibility Demonstrate 80% efficient utilisation of all prior allocated
space.
Period 12 months.
RIPE NCC Size Minimum /21, no maximum.
Eligibility Demonstrate approximately 80% efficient utilisation of all prior
allocated space.
Period Up to 12 months.

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2.3 Sub-Allocations

RIR Policy Comment
AFRINIC LIRs may sub-allocate addresses to other organisations, which
further assign addresses to End Users. LIRs also assign addresses.
Sub-allocations are subject to the “Sub-Allocation Window” procedure.
APNIC LIRs may sub-allocate addresses to other organisations, which
further assign addresses to end-users. LIRs also assign addresses.
Sub-allocations are subject to the “Assignment Window” procedure.
See section 2.5.1 ‘Assignment Window’
below.
ARIN ISPs may sub-allocate addresses to other organisations, which
further assign addresses to End Users.
LACNIC RIR allocates and assigns IP blocks to organisations that can be
ISPs, End Users or National Internet Registries, (NIRs – see section 7). NIRs
allocate and assign IP blocks to organisations in their countries. ISPs may
sub-allocate IP blocks to other ISPs or assign them to End Users.
RIPE NCC An LIR may sub-allocate up to a /20 (4096
addresses) to a downstream network operator every twelve months, who can then assign addresses to End Users. The minimum size of a
sub-allocation is a /24.

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2.4 Assignments by RIRs (Independent/Portable)

2.4.1 General

RIR Category Policy Comment
AFRINIC Size /24 minimum, no maximum.
Eligibility – Must be an AFRINIC member 

– Must EITHER show an existing utilization of /25 from their upstream/ISP, OR

– Justify that at least 50% of the total 1 year requirement is needed immediately.

APNIC Size No minimum, no maximum. Known as ‘small multihoming
assignment policy’. Can be applied for under membership or as a ‘non-member
account holder’.
Eligibility Requesting organisation needs to be multihomed
and agree to renumber out of previously assigned address space. 

Assignments will be made according to the following criteria: 25%
immediate utilisation rate and 50% utilisation rate within one year.

ARIN Size /22 minimum for multihomed, otherwise /20, no maximum. Known as ‘end-user’
assignments.
Eligibility Assignments will be made according to the following criteria: 25%
immediate utilisation rate and 50% utilisation rate within one year.
LACNIC Size /24 minimum, no maximum.
Eligibility Multihomed organisations (End User) may receive
a minimum of /24 based on previous assignments of /25 from upstream
providers. 

Single-home organisation may apply, for at least
a /20, based on demonstrated need of /21.

RIPE NCC Size No minimum, no maximum. Submit an application via an
existing LIR. Cannot request directly.
Eligibility Based on demonstrated need.

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2.4.2 Critical Infrastructure

RIR Category Policy Comment
AFRINIC Definition Public IXPs and root DNS service providers. Portable space can be
obtained by submitting a request directly to AFRINIC.
Size /24 minimum, more if justified.
Eligibility No specific criteria defined.
APNIC Definition Root DNS, ccTLD, gTLD, IANA, RIRs, NIRs.
Size /24 minimum.
Eligibility Assignments to critical infrastructure are available only to the
actual operators of the network infrastructure performing such functions.
ARIN Definition Root DNS, ccTLD, gTLD, IANA, RIRs. Requested via the
‘micro-allocations’ policy.
Size /24 minimum.
Eligibility Assignments to critical infrastructure are available only to the
actual operators of the network infrastructure performing such functions.
LACNIC Definition Root DNS, ccTLD, gTLD, IANA, RIRs. Requested via the ‘micro-allocations’ policy.
Size /24 minimum.
Eligibility Assignments to critical infrastructure are available only to the
actual operators of the network infrastructure performing such functions.
RIPE NCC Definition Anycasting ccTLD, gTLD. Address space can be
obtained by submitting a request through an existing LIR.
Size /24.
Eligibility If the name server set of a ccTLD or a gTLD without anycasting
technology applied would not pass the “IANA Administrative Procedure for
Root Zone Name Server Delegation and Glue Data’ the TLD administrator may
receive a single dedicated /24 network prefix for the sole purpose of
anycasting name servers, as described in RFC 3258.

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2.4.3 Internet Exchange Points (IXPs)

RIR Category Policy Comment
AFRINIC Size /24. Portable space can be
obtained by submitting a request directly to AFRINIC.
Eligibility – Minimum number of three peers connected 

– Open policy for anyone to connect/peer.

APNIC Size /24 minimum assignment. There is no restriction on
routing prefixes assigned under this policy.
Eligibility Must be an IXP. 

The number of ISPs connected should be at least three and there must be a
clear and open policy for others to join.

ARIN Size /24 minimum assignment. Requested via the
‘micro-allocations’ policy.
Eligibility Exchange point operators must provide justification for the
allocation, including: connection policy, location, other participants
(minimum of two total), ASN, and contact information.
LACNIC Size /24 Requested via the ‘micro-allocations’
policy.
Eligibility Exchange point operators must provide documentation showing that
it is an IXP, list of participants, structure diagram and numbering plan.
RIPE NCC Size No special policy. Portable address space for
this purpose can be requested via an existing LIR.
Eligibility No special policy.

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2.5 Assignments by LIRs
(Aggregatable/Non-Portable)

2.5.1 Assignment Window

RIR Policy Comment
AFRINIC 

ARIN

Not applicable. Assignment practices are audited by RIR staff at time of request
for additional resources.
APNIC 

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

LIRs/ISPs need approval from the RIR when making assignments
larger than their Assignment Window. This is the number of addresses an
LIR/ISP can assign without prior approval. The RIR sets the assignment window
according to the LIR”s/ISP”s level of experience with the policies.
APNIC does not have assignment windows on infrastructure.
In RIPE region a new LIR’s Assignment Window
(AW) is automatically set to a /21 (2048 addresses) six months after
receiving their first allocation.

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2.5.2 Dynamic Addressing

RIR Policy
AFRINIC 

APNIC

ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

In general, dynamic assignment of IP addresses is expected on
transient connections such as analogue dialup.

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2.5.3 Mobile Terminals

RIR Policy
AFRINIC 

APNIC

ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

There is no special assignment policy with respect to mobile
terminals.

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2.5.4 Web Hosting

RIR Policy
AFRINIC 

APNIC

ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

Name based web hosting is strongly encouraged where feasible.

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2.5.5 Network Address Translation (NAT)

RIR Policy
AFRINIC 

APNIC

ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

The use of NAT is neither encouraged nor discussed during the
request process.

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2.5.6 RFC1918 Private Address Space

RIR Policy
AFRINIC 

APNIC

ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

For private networks that will never be connected to the Internet,
the requestor is made aware of the IPv4 address space reserved for use in
RFC1918.

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3. IPv6

3.1 Initial Allocation

RIR Category Policy Comment
AFRINIC Size /32.
Eligibility a) be an LIR; b) not be an end site; c) show a detailed plan to
provide IPv6 connectivity to organizations in the AFRINIC region. d) show a
reasonable plan for making /48 IPv6 assignments to end sites in the AFRINIC
region within twelve months. The LIR should also plan to announce the
allocation as a single aggregated block in the inter-domain routing system
within twelve months.
Period Up to one year.
APNIC Size /32. Allocations consistent with
the globally co-ordinated ‘IPv6 Address Allocation and Assignment Policy’ document.
Organisations may qualify for an initial allocation greater than /32 by
submitting documentation that reasonably justifies the request.
Considers IPv4 deployment as
one of the means of justifying a larger initial allocation.
Eligibility a) Be an LIR; b) not be an end site; c) plan to provide IPv6
connectivity to organisations to which it will make assignments, by
advertising that connectivity through its single aggregated address
allocation; d) have a plan for making at least 200 assignments to other organisations within two years.
In addition, APNIC will make allocations to ‘closed’ networks if
they meet all other criteria. APNIC can make allocation based on existing
IPv4 network infrastructure
Period For up to two years.
ARIN Size /32. Organisations may qualify
for an initial allocation greater than /32 by submitting documentation that
reasonably justifies the request.
Eligibility a) Be an LIR; b) not be an end site; c) Plan to provide IPv6
connectivity to organizations to which it will assign IPv6 address space, by
advertising that connectivity through its single aggregated address
allocation; and d) Be an existing, known ISP in the ARIN region or have a
plan for making at least 200 /48 assignments to other organizations within five
years.
Period For up to five years.
RIPE NCC Size /32. Organisations may qualify
for an initial allocation greater than /32 by submitting documentation that
reasonably justifies the request. 

Considers IPv4 deployment as
one of the means of justifying a larger initial allocation.

Eligibility a) Be an LIR; b) advertise the allocation that they will receive
as a single prefix if the prefix is to be used on the Internet; c) have a
plan for making sub-allocations to other organisations and/or End Site
assignments within two years.
Period For up to two years.
LACNIC Size /32.
Eligibility a) Be a LIR or an ISP;
b) Document a detailed plan for the
services and IPv6 connectivity to be
offered to other organizations
c) Announce a single block in the
Internet inter-domain routing system,
aggregating the total IPv6 address
allocation received, within a period 

not longer than 12 months;
d) Offer IPv6 services to clients or entities
owned/related (including departments and/orsites) physically located within the region covered by LACNIC within a period not longer than 24 months than 24 months.

Note: As a special case, LACNIC has a policy for the “Second Allocation” where An Organization that holds only one IPv6 allocation can return it (within the first 6 months of getting it) in order to receive another shorter prefix allocation from LACNIC.

Period For up to 1 years.

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3.2 Subsequent Allocations

RIR Category Policy Comment
AFRINIC Size Minimum size of next allocation will equal the first allocation
size. More can be allocated but justification must be supplied.
Contiguous allocation provided if possible.
RFC 3194 defines the HD-Ratio.
Eligibility ISP/LIR must satisfy the evaluation threshold of past address
utilisation in terms of the number of sites in units of /48 assignments. The
HD-Ratio of 0.94 is used to determine the utilisation thresholds that justify
the allocation of additional addresses.
Period Up to one year.
APNIC 

ARIN

Size Minimum size of next allocation will equal the first allocation
size. More can be allocated but justification must be supplied.
Contiguous allocation provided if possible.
RFC 3194 defines the HD-Ratio.
Eligibility ISP/LIR must satisfy the evaluation threshold of past address
utilisation in terms of the number of sites in units of /56 assignments. The
HD-Ratio of 0.94 is used to determine the utilisation thresholds that justify
the allocation of additional addresses.
Period Up to two years.
LACNIC Size Minimum size of next allocation will equal the first allocation
size. More can be allocated but justification must be supplied.
Contiguous allocation provided if possible.
RFC 3194 defines the HD-Ratio.
Eligibility ISP/LIR must satisfy the evaluation threshold of past address
utilisation in terms of the number of sites in units of /48 assignments. The
HD-Ratio of 0.94 is used to determine the utilisation thresholds that justify
the allocation of additional addresses.
Period Up to two years.
RIPE NCC Size Minimum size of next allocation will equal the first allocation
size. More can be allocated but justification must be supplied.
Contiguous allocation provided if possible.
RFC 3194 defines the HD-Ratio.
Eligibility ISP/LIR must satisfy the evaluation threshold of past address
utilisation in terms of the number of sites in units of /48 assignments. The
HD- Ratio of 0.8 is used to determine the utilisation thresholds that justify
the allocation of additional addresses.
Period Up to two years.

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3.3 Other Allocations

3.3.1 Micro-allocations for Internal Infrastructure

RIR Category Policy Comment
AFRINIC APNIC LACNIC RIPE
NCC
Size No policy.
Eligibility Not applicable.
ARIN Size /48 minimum. These allocations come from
specific blocks reserved only for this purpose.
Eligibility Organizations that currently hold IPv6 allocations may apply for a
micro-allocation for internal infrastructure. Applicant must provide
technical justification indicating why a separate non-routed block is
required. Justification must include why a sub-allocation of currently held
IP space cannot be utilized.

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3.4 Assignments by RIRs (Independent/Portable)

3.4.1 Critical Infrastructure

RIR Category Policy Comment
AFRINIC Definition DNS servers, root DNS servers Part of the “Provider
Independent (PI) Assignment for End-Sites” policy
Size /48 minimum.
Eligibility Requestor to prove they operate a critical infrastructure network.
APNIC Definition Root DNS, ccTLD, gTLD, IANA, RIRs, NIRs.
Size /32 maximum.
Eligibility Assignments to critical infrastructure are available only to the
actual operators of the network infrastructure performing such functions.
ARIN Definition Root DNS, ccTLD, gTLD, IANA, RIRs. Known as ‘micro-allocation’
policy.
Size /48 minimum.
Eligibility Assignments to critical infrastructure are available only to the
actual operators of the network infrastructure performing such functions.
LACNIC Definition NAPs, Root DNS, ccTLD, gTLD, IANA, RIRs, NIRs.
Size /48 minimum, /32 maximum.
Eligibility Micro allocation to critical Internet infrastructure operators
only.
RIPE NCC Definition Root DNS, Anycasting ccTLD, gTLD. Address space for this
purpose can be obtained by members or if not a member by submitting a request
through an existing LIR.
Size For Root DNS minimum allocation size at time of request. For
Anycasting ccTLD/ gTLD a /48.
Eligibility Assignments to critical infrastructure are available only to the
actual network infrastructure performing such functions.
If the name server set of a ccTLD or a gTLD without anycasting
technology applied would not pass the “IANA Administrative Procedure for
Root Zone Name Server Delegation and Glue Data’ the TLD administrator may
receive a single dedicated /48 network prefix for the sole purpose of
anycasting name servers, as described in RFC 3258.

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3.4.2 Internet Exchange Points (IXPs)

RIR Category Policy Comment
AFRINIC Size /48 minimum. Part of the “Provider
Independent (PI) Assignment for End-Sites” policy
Eligibility – Minimum number of three peers connected 

– Open policy for anyone to connect/peer.

APNIC Size /48 minimum.
Eligibility The IXP must have a clear and open policy for others to join and
must have at least three members.
LACNIC Size /48 minimum, /32 maximum
Eligibility The IXP must have a clear and open policy for others to join and must have at least three members.
ARIN Size /48 minimum.
Eligibility Exchange point operators must provide justification for the
allocation, including: connection policy, location, other participants
(minimum of two total), ASN, and contact information.
RIPE NCC Size /64 or /48. Address space for this
purpose can be obtained by submitting a request through an existing LIR.
Eligibility The IXP must have a clear and open policy for others to join and
must have at least three members.

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3.4.3 End Users

RIR Category Policy Comment
LACNIC Size /48 minimum, /32 maximum
Eligibility Automatic if requestor has IPv4 assignments. Else: 1) Not been an LIR, 2) Announce a single block in the inter-domain routing table, 3) submit information showing address use plan for 3, 6 and 12 months, 4) submit network topology, routing and addressing plan.
AFRINIC Size /48 minimum
Eligibility a) Not be a LIR; b) Qualify for an IPv4 PI assignment from AFRINIC
under the IPv4 policy currently In effect; c) Be or plan to be an AFRINIC
Member of the category “EU-PI”; and d) Show a plan to use and
announce the IPv6 PI address space within twelve (12) months after approval.
APNIC Size /48 minimum. These assignments come from
a distinctly identified prefix.
Eligibility a) An organization is currently multihomed or plans to be
multihomed within three months.
ARIN Size /48 minimum. These assignments come from
a distinctly identified prefix and are made with a reservation for growth of
at least a /44.
Eligibility a) Not be an IPv6 LIR; and b) Qualify for an IPv4 assignment or allocation from ARIN under the IPv4 policy currently in effect. An HD-Ratio of .94 must be met for all assignments larger than a /48.
RIPE NCC Size No policy.
Eligibility Not applicable.

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3.5 Assignments by LIRs
(Aggregatable/Non-Portable)

3.5.1 Dynamic Addressing

RIR Policy Comment
AFRINIC 

APNIC

ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

There is currently no specific policy related to dynamic
addressing.
See RFC3177.

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3.5.2 Mobile Terminals

RIR Policy
AFRINIC 

APNIC

ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

There is no special assignment policy with respect to mobile
terminals.

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3.5.3 Web Hosting

RIR Policy
AFRINIC 

APNIC

ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

There is no recommendation for IPv6 assignments in support of web
hosting at this time.

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3.5.4 Network Address Translation (NAT)

RIR Policy
AFRINIC 

APNIC

ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

The use of NAT is neither encouraged nor discussed during the
request process.

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4. Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs)

4.1 Allocations

RIR Policy
APNIC Blocks of ASNs are allocated to NIRs for further distribution to
their members.
AFRINIC 

ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

Not applicable.

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4.2 Assignments

RIR Category Policy Comment
AFRINIC ARIN 

LACNIC RIPE NCC

Eligibility Policies for ASN assignments are aligned with the guidelines
contained in RFC1930. Verify that a network will have a unique routing policy
or that it will be a multihomed site before assigning an ASN.
In RIPE region ASNs cannot
be requested directly. An application must be submitted to the RIPE NCC
through an existing LIR.
APNIC Eligibility ASNs may be obtained directly from APNIC as a member or non-member
account holder. The ASN obtained directly is portable. ASNs may also be
obtained indirectly, through a LIR who ‘sponsors’ the request. In this event,
the ASN is non-portable. 

Criteria need to be met in both cases, that is: An organisation is eligible
if it a) is multihomed; and b) has a single, defined routing policy that is
different from its providers’ routing policies. An organisation will also be
eligible if it can demonstrate that it will meet the above criteria upon
receiving an ASN (or within a reasonably short time thereafter).

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4.2.1 32-bit ASNs

RIR Policy Comment
AFRINIC 

APNIC

ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

Commencing 1 January 2007, the RIR will process applications that
specifically request 32-bit only AS Numbers and assign such AS numbers as
requested by the applicant. In the absence of any specific request for a
32-bit only AS Number, a 16-bit only AS Number will be assigned. 

  • From 1 January 2009 the RIR will process applications that
    specifically request 16-bit only AS Numbers and assign such AS Numbers
    as requested by the applicant. In the absence of any specific request
    for a 16-bit only AS Number, a 32-bit only AS Number will be assigned by
    the RIR.
  • From 1 January 2010 the RIR will cease to make any
    distinction between 16-bit only AS Numbers and 32-bit only AS Numbers,
    and will operate AS Number assignments from an undifferentiated 32-bit AS
    Number allocation pool.
“16-bit only AS Numbers” refers to AS numbers in the
range 0 – 65535 

“32-bit only AS Numbers” refers to AS Numbers in the
range 65,536 – 4,294,967,295

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5. Database – Registration

RIR Category Policy Comment
AFRINIC Modification LIRs are required to register all assignments and sub-allocations.
Entry Can update all assignment and sub-allocation registrations
(protection mechanism available). Org object cannot be created or updated by
a LIR.
APNIC Modification LIRs required to register all assignments and sub-allocations
except infrastructure assignments. Registrations will be stored privately by
APNIC unless the custodian wishes them to be made publicly available in the
APNIC database.
Entry Can update all assignment and sub-allocation registrations
(protection mechanism available).
ARIN Modification Downstream reassignments and reallocations are
reported, showing hierarchy and End User assignments.
Reassignment information for residential customers need not
contain the customer’s name nor street address.
Not required to register
infrastructure assignments.
Entry Can modify all parent data except “org name” and address range.
Can modify all child data.
LACNIC Modification Downstream reassignments and reallocations are reported, showing
hierarchy and End User assignments.
Not required to register
infrastructure assignments.
Entry Can modify all parent data except “org name” and address range.
Can modify all child data. Users have to authenticate themselves in LACNIC
web system.
RIPE NCC Modification LIRs are required to register all assignments and sub-allocations.
Entry Can update all assignment and sub-allocation registrations
(protection mechanism available).

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6. Reverse DNS

RIR Policy Comment
AFRINIC Only make delegations on 8-bit boundaries (/16 or /24). Multiple
delegations may be requested to cover CIDR prefixes for blocks bigger than a
/24.
APNIC Provides reverse DNS based on domain objects in the APNIC
database. If the delegation is /16 or larger then the authority for the
reverse zone, it is delegated to the custodian of the address space.
Policy for “lame delegations” checking established and enforced.
ARIN Provides reverse DNS for all allocations and assignments in the database
with the following exception: For all /16 or shorter prefixes ARIN delegates
reverse DNS authority to the registrant.
Policy for “lame delegations” checking established and enforced.
LACNIC Provides reverse DNS for all parent blocks. Does not provide
reverse DNS for reassignments on child blocks if the parent is /16 or
greater.
Policy for “lame delegations” checking established and enforced
RIPE NCC Provides reverse DNS delegation on request. Holders of IPv4 /16 or
larger are required to use the RIPE NCCs name server as secondary. Deploys
DNSSEC on all the reverse zones.
RIPE NCC verifies RFC1912 compliance.

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7. National Internet Registries (NIRs)

RIR Policy
AFRINIC 

ARIN

RIPE NCC

Not applicable.
APNIC NIRs operate in Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia and
Vietnam. They are not ISPs. They allocate to their members within their
economy following APNIC policies. Organisations within those NIR economies
may go to either the relevant NIR or APNIC.
LACNIC NIRs operate in Brazil and Mexico. They are not ISPs. They
allocate to their members following LACNIC policies. NIRs are responsible for
providing services within their country.

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8. Policy Development

RIR Policy
AFRINIC 

APNIC

ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

The policy development process is consensus based, open to anyone
to participate and is transparent in archiving all decisions and policies so
that they are publicly accessible.

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9. Internet Experiments

RIR Policy
AFRINIC 

APNIC

RIPE NCC

Allocations and assignments of Internet resources for Internet
experiments are available. Such allocations or assignments are made for one
year after which they must be returned. They are intended to support
experimental Internet activities. Results of experiments must be made freely
available to the public.
ARIN ARIN will allocate Numbering Resources to
entities requiring temporary Numbering Resources for a fixed period of time
under the terms of recognised experimental activity.
LACNIC LACNIC shall make experimental allocations with
the aim of encouraging research and development within the region of Latin
America and the Caribbean. The experimental allocation shall be for a period
of one year, renewable for a period of the same duration, with no specified
maximum. The results of the experiment must be published on a public website.

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10. Documentation Prefix

RIR Policy
APNIC A documentation prefix is available to organisations wishing to
use examples of Internet resources in educational materials, case studies and
other documentation.
AFRINIC 

ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

No policy.

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Last modified on 02/09/2020