• Manages Internet number resources in North America and the Caribbean, allocating IP addresses and ASNs while coordinating policy development.
  • Handles IP address allocation in Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, supporting effective resource management through policy development and collaboration.
  • Manages IP address allocation in the Asia-Pacific region, promoting IPv6 adoption and offering training and technical assistance to members.

There are five regional Internet registries (RIRs) in the world. Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) are independent, non-profit organizations responsible for the management and allocation of IP address space and Autonomous System (AS) Numbers within specific geographic regions.

American registry for internet numbers

ARIN is the regional internet registry (RIR) responsible for managing internet number resources in North America, including the United States, Canada, and parts of the Caribbean. It allocates and administers IP addresses, autonomous system numbers (ASNs), and other resources to Internet service providers (ISPs), organisations, and individuals in its region.

ARIN plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and equitable distribution of IPv4 and IPv6 address space to support the growth of the Internet in North America. 

RIPE network coordination centre

RIPE NCC serves as the RIR for Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Central Asia, overseeing the allocation and registration of IP addresses and ASNs in its region. It works closely with its members, including ISPs, network operators, and governments, to ensure the effective management of Internet number resources and the stability of the Internet infrastructure.

RIPE NCC facilitates the development of regional policies and standards related to IP address management and collaborates with other RIRs and Internet governance bodies to promote global coordination.

Also read: What is a Regional Internet Registry?

Asia-Pacific network information centre 

APNIC is the RIR responsible for managing IP address allocation and registration in the Asia-Pacific region, encompassing countries in Asia, Oceania, and the Pacific Islands. It plays a vital role in promoting the adoption of IPv6, supporting network development, and fostering cooperation among stakeholders to address regional Internet infrastructure challenges.

APNIC provides training, capacity-building programmes, and technical assistance to its members to enhance their operational capabilities and promote best practices in Internet resource management.

Also read: What is AFRINIC? The role and challenges of the African Regional Internet Registry

Latin America and Caribbean network information centre

LACNIC serves as the RIR for Latin America and parts of the Caribbean, managing the allocation and registration of IP addresses and ASNs in the region. It works to promote Internet development, connectivity, and digital inclusion in Latin America and the Caribbean through the efficient distribution of IP address resources.

LACNIC engages with its members and stakeholders to develop policies, guidelines, and initiatives that address the unique needs and challenges of the region’s Internet ecosystem.

African network information centre

AFRINIC is the RIR responsible for managing IP address allocation and registration in Africa, working to support the growth and development of the Internet across the continent. It collaborates with governments, regulators, ISPs, and other stakeholders to promote the adoption of IPv6, enhance network connectivity, and address Internet governance issues in Africa.

AFRINIC provides training, capacity-building programmes, and technical support to its members to strengthen their capabilities in managing IP address resources and implementing best practices.