RIRs

Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) are non-profit organizations that manage the distribution and registration of Internet number resources within defined geographic regions. They operate as part of the global Internet registry system, with the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) delegating to them large blocks of address space and ASN numbers. RIRs allocate, register, and manage IPv4 and IPv6 address space, as well as Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs).

Each RIR maintains a publicly accessible database of resource registrations (often referred to as WHOIS) and provides related services such as assistance with address planning, transfer policies, and routing security measures like RPKI. They also coordinate the transfer of resources between organizations when allowed by policy and regional rules.

Governance and operations are community-driven: policy development is conducted through open processes within each region, and proposals are discussed on mailing lists and at public meetings. RIRs are typically member-based, funded by fees charged to Resource-Holder organizations (LIRs and others), and governed by a regional board.

The five Regional Internet Registries are AFRINIC (Africa), APNIC (Asia-Pacific), ARIN (North America), LACNIC (Latin America and the Caribbean), and RIPE NCC (Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Central Asia). They operate independently but cooperate with ICANN and IANA and participate in joint forums. Some regions also include National Internet Registries that operate under the RIR framework.

Policy developments in the RIR system address IPv4 depletion and IPv6 deployment, address reclamation, data privacy in WHOIS, and the management of Internet routing resources. RIRs also publish statistics, operate training programs, and collaborate on global Internet governance initiatives.