top of page
Writer's pictureNRS Team

NRO HISTORY AND STRUCTURE

Updated: Nov 8, 2023

NRO History

As a coordinating body for the world's regional internet registries, the Number Resource Organization (NRO) was founded in 2003. (RIRs).

The four current RIRs, APNIC, ARIN, LACNIC, and RIPE NCC, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on October 24, 2003, establishing the NRO. The RIRs delivered an Open Letter to ICANN on October 31, 2003, informing it of the NRO's creation.

A copy of the NRO MoU and a proposed MoU to establish the Address Supporting Organization, a new ICANN Supporting Organization (SO) for the Numbers community, were attached to the letter. (ASO).

Incorporated in April 2005, AFRINIC became the fifth RIR in the world, and it subsequently ratified the NRO MoU.

There are five Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) in the world. RIRs manage, distribute, and register Internet number resources (IPv4 and IPv6 address space and Autonomous System (AS) Numbers) within their respective regions.

Within their respective regions, the RIRs are in charge of allocating Internet number resources, including IP address space and autonomous system numbers.

Each RIR operates as a not-for-profit, member-based association in its respective region in accordance with the laws of the country in which it is located. RIRs distribute Internet number resources according to the policies developed by their respective regional community using established open, inclusive and bottom-up Policy Development Processes (PDP).

Understanding Memorandum

The four current RIRs—APNIC, ARIN, LACNIC, and the RIPE NCC—signed the NRO MoU in 2003. The MoU was signed by AFRINIC in 2005.

The NRO EC signed an addition to the NRO MoU in August 2020. The NRO EC accepts these amendments.

- Avoid doing anything that would go against the uniqueness of the Internet Number Registry System.

- should take concrete steps to advance the accuracy of the Internet Number Registry System. And to make entries in the Internet Number Registry System publicly available in order to facilitate timely international Internet operations.

- To collaborate in the delivery of reliable, efficient international Internet Number Registry services.

- Additionally, the NRO MOU's Section 10 ("Arbitration") is hereby changed to permit RIRs to request arbitration for disagreements regarding any obligations.

Governing Council

One representative from each RIR serves on the NRO Executive Council (NRO EC). The Board of each RIR is in charge of selecting this individual. (see section 6 of the NRO MoU). Only the unanimous consent of the five RIR regions is used by the NRO EC. Each year, the roles of chair, vice chair/secretary, and treasurer are switched.

Coordination Initiatives

The NRO serves as a focal point for coordination of joint RIR operations and projects, such as Resource Certification (RPKI), publications on global RIR data, global Internet governance initiatives, and coordination of international policy.

None of these tasks are managed or carried out directly by the NRO. Instead, to enable collaboration throughout the RIR system, the NRO facilitates a number of Coordination Groups in the fields of communications, engineering, registration services, and executive leadership.

Secretariat of NRO

Coordination of support for NRO and ASO activities is provided by a dedicated NRO Secretariat.

Sources

54 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page