RIR's - Regional Internet Registries

Inroduction to the RIR System

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The Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) are responsible for a critical component in the operational infrastructure of the Internet: allocation of IP number resources to network operators and Local Internet Registries.

Goals of the RIRs

The three primary goals of the RIR system are:

• Conservation : IP numbers resource is finite. The RIRs should ensure its efficient use, and prevent service instabilities due to market distortions or other forms of manipulation.

• Aggregation (routability): Assist in maintaining the Internet routing tables at a manageable size, by supporting CIDR techniques. This must be done in order to ensure operational stability of the Internet.

• Registration : Provide a public registry documenting address space allocations and assignments, necessary to ensure uniqueness. RIRs should also provide information for Internet troubleshooting at all levels.

All RIRs operate on a principle of open, transparent, and consensus-based decision-making. The activities and services of the RIRs are defined, discussed, and evaluated in open forums. Furthermore, the RIRs all maintain not-for-profit systems.