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A Regional Internet Registry (RIR) is a nonprofit organization that administers and registers Internet number resources—IPv4 addresses, IPv6 addresses, and Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs)—within a defined region. The five RIRs distribute those resources to network operators under policies developed by their regional communities. IANA allocates global resource pools to the RIRs; it is not normally the direct provider for an ISP or end user.
What does a Regional Internet Registry do?
An RIR manages the allocation and registration of Internet number resources in its service region. These resources help networks connect and route traffic across the Internet:
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- IPv4 and IPv6 addresses identify devices and network interfaces using the Internet Protocol.
- Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs) identify networks for routing purposes.
IANA’s June 2015 booklet defines RIRs as “Non-profit corporations that administer and register IP address space numbers within a defined region.” The booklet also describes them as membership-based organizations that distribute number resources to network operators under allocation and assignment policies established by their regional communities.
How do IANA, RIRs, and Internet providers fit together?
The system is hierarchical. IANA coordinates global Internet number resources and allocates pools to the RIRs under global policies. RIRs distribute resources within their regions to network operators, including Internet service providers. Depending on the region, a local Internet registry (LIR) or national Internet registry (NIR) may sit between an RIR and an ISP or other user.
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That means an ISP may obtain address space through a local or national registry, or from its appropriate RIR. The exact route depends on the registry structure and applicable policies. IANA is generally not the organization an ISP or household contacts to obtain addresses.
Which RIR serves each region?
IANA identifies five RIRs and describes their service areas as follows:
| Registry | IANA-described service area |
|---|---|
| AFRINIC | Africa Region |
| APNIC | Asia/Pacific Region |
| ARIN | Canada, the United States, and some Caribbean islands |
| LACNIC | Latin America and some Caribbean islands |
| RIPE NCC | Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia |
These are broad service-area descriptions, not a definitive answer for every country, territory, membership question, or policy edge case. Check the relevant registry’s current information when you need to determine how a specific location or organization is handled.
Who sets RIR policies?
Each RIR’s regional community develops policy through an open, bottom-up process. Policies therefore apply in the relevant region and should not be assumed to govern another RIR’s service area.
Global policy for IP addresses and ASNs is developed across the five RIR communities and ratified through ICANN’s Address Supporting Organization. IANA implements the resulting policies; it does not set them.
How is an RIR different from a domain registrar?
An RIR administers Internet number resources such as IP addresses and ASNs. A domain-name registrar handles domain registrations. They serve distinct functions: getting an IP address or ASN is not the same process as registering a domain name.
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Where can I check a particular registry or allocation?
For the current list of RIRs and their broad service areas, consult IANA’s Number Resources reference. IANA also maintains a live IPv4 allocation registry; allocation totals and operational details can change, so use current official records rather than relying on a static figure.
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