RIR Functions
The primary function of each RIR is to ensure the fair distribution and responsible management of IP addresses and the related numeric resources that are required for the operation of the Internet. In particular, the resources allocated, assigned, and registered by RIRs are Internet address numbers (IPv4 and IPv6) and AS numbers.
The activities carried out by RIRs also include open policy meetings, training courses, seminars, outreach activities, statistical reporting (see below), and research. Additionally, a crucial role for the RIRs is to represent the interests of their communities by participating in global forums and providing support to other organizations involved in Internet addressing issues.
RIR Statistics
Each RIR produces monthly reports of the allocations and assignments of IPv4, IPv6, and AS numbers within its region. RIR statistics files, available via FTP from the RIR websites and also mirrored by the other RIRs, summarize the current state of allocations and assignments of Internet number resources. These files are organized according to a standard format, which includes a header, possible comments, and record lines. Each record line represents a single allocation (or assignment) of a specific range of Internet number resources (IPv4, IPv6 or ASN), made by the RIR identified in the record.
In the case of IPv4 the records may represent non-CIDR ranges or CIDR blocks, and therefore the record format represents a beginning of range, and a count. In the case of IPv6 the record format represents the prefix and the count of /128 instances under that prefix. In the case of AS number, the record format represents a start value, and a count of AS from this number.
RIRs also maintain whois DBs, which may be queried for further information.
Also available on the RIR sites, though not in a standardized address as the reports, are statistical reports regarding historical allocations etc., in various segmentations.
