IP Address Allocation: RIRs, Countries, and ASNs
In this article, we will cover the key concepts related to IP address allocation, including Regional Internet Registries (RIRs), countries, and Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs). We will also discuss the importance of this topic for those trying to build a Geo IP blocking service, and provide some useful references for further reading.
Regional Internet Registries (RIRs)
Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) are organizations that manage the distribution of IP addresses within specific regions of the world. There are five RIRs in total, each responsible for a different geographic area:
African Network Information Centre (AfriNIC): AfricaAsia-Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC): Asia-Pacific regionAmerican Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN): North AmericaLatin American and Caribbean Internet Addresses Registry (LACNIC): Latin America and the CaribbeanRéseaux IP Européens Network Coordination Centre (RIPE NCC): Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia
Each RIR has its own policies and procedures for allocating IP addresses within its region. For example, ARIN uses a needs-based system, where organizations must demonstrate a legitimate need for the IP addresses they are requesting. RIPE NCC, on the other hand, has a more flexible policy, allowing organizations to request a range of IP addresses based on their expected growth.
IP Address Allocation by Country
RIRs allocate IP addresses to countries within their region based on a variety of factors, including population, Internet penetration, and the needs of local organizations. For example, a country with a large population and high Internet penetration may be allocated a larger number of IP addresses than a smaller, less connected country.
It is important to note that IP addresses are not allocated on a one-to-one basis with countries. Instead, they are allocated to organizations within those countries, which can then use them as they see fit. This means that an organization in one country may be allocated IP addresses that are technically located in another country, if that is where the organization's servers are located.
Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs)
Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs) are unique identifiers used to distinguish different networks on the Internet. They are assigned by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), and are used to route traffic between different networks. ASNs are often associated with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) or large organizations that operate their own networks.
Finding Data on IP Allocations
If you are trying to build a Geo IP blocking service, you will need to find data on the IP addresses that have been allocated to different countries and organizations. This data is publicly available from the RIRs, and can be accessed through their respective websites.
For example, ARIN provides a Whois service that allows you to look up IP addresses and see which organization they have been allocated to. RIPE NCC also provides a similar service, as well as a number of other tools for querying IP address data.
IP Allocations to Autonomous Systems
If you are trying to find data on the IP addresses that have been allocated to Autonomous Systems (ASNs), you can use the Internet Routing Registry (IRR) database. This database is a collection of routing policies and IP address allocations, and is maintained by the five RIRs.
The IRR database allows you to query for IP address blocks that have been allocated to specific ASNs, as well as view the routing policies associated with those addresses. This can be a valuable resource for those trying to build a Geo IP blocking service, as it allows you to see which organizations are using which IP addresses and how they are routing traffic.
- Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) manage the allocation of IP addresses within specific regions of the world.
- RIRs allocate IP addresses to countries based on a variety of factors, including population and Internet penetration.
- Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs) are unique identifiers used to distinguish different networks on the Internet.
- Data on IP allocations is publicly available from the RIRs, and can be accessed through their respective websites.
- The Internet Routing Registry (IRR) database allows you to query for IP address blocks that have been allocated to specific ASNs.
References
- ARIN - American Registry for Internet Numbers
- RIPE NCC - Réseaux IP Européens Network Coordination Centre
- APNIC - Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre
- AfriNIC - African Network Information Centre
- LACNIC - Latin American and Caribbean Internet Addresses Registry
- IANA - Internet Assigned Numbers Authority
- IRR - Internet Routing Registry