Understanding the relationship between RIRs and ISPs

Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are the main and vital parts of global IP address management. RIRs give out IPs and keep records of who owns them. They make sure the addresses are shared in a fair way and that the information is correct.

ISPs get the addresses from RIRs and give internet access to people and companies. They use the addresses to connect users to the network and follow the rules from the RIRs.

RIRs keep the system organised and stop problems like duplicate or fake addresses. ISPs use the addresses to run their networks and make sure users could reach websites and services. Both play crucial roles and their work is linked closely.

Introduction  

When you load one webpage, stream a video, or send an email, you do not think about the system that makes it work. At the core of these system are IP addresses. These are unique and special numbers that let devices talk to each other through the internet. RIRs manage these addresses and make sure they are given out in a fair and safe way. ISPs take the addresses from RIRs and use them to connect people to the internet. RIRs keep records and make sure there is no confusion about who uses which address. ISPs give the service so users can go online and use websites, videos, and messages. Both do different jobs but work together to keep the internet stable.

What are RIRs and ISPs?  

RIRs are groups that do not make a profit. They give out IP address space and Autonomous System Numbers in set parts of the world. There are five RIRs. AFRINIC works in Africa. APNIC works in the Asia Pacific area. ARIN works in North America. LACNIC works in Latin America and the Caribbean.

RIPE NCC works in Europe, the Middle East, and some parts of Central Asia. These groups make sure the addresses and numbers are given in a fair way and are recorded so people know who is using them.Each RIR works on its own. They follow the same global rules so things stay the same in every place. They also make rules that fit their own region.

ISPs are companies that give internet access to people, businesses, and groups. They get IP addresses from their RIR. They use these addresses to give to customer devices. They also use them to keep routing tables and make sure the internet address system works and stays correct.

The policy development journey: from proposal to address block  

The Policy Development Process is a key part of how RIRs work. This process is open to everyone and lets many people take part. It makes sure that the rules for internet number use are not made only by the RIR staff or board. They are also made by people and groups who need these resources. Anyone can give a proposal for a new rule or a change to an old one. The proposal is then shared with the community. People can talk about it and give their ideas. If the community agrees, the rule is accepted. After that, the RIR can start using the new rule when giving out IP address blocks.

In practice, the process works in clear steps. First is the proposal stage. Any person from the community, such as an ISP engineer, a government ICT worker, or a researcher, can write a new policy idea. Next is the discussion stage. The idea is shared on public mailing lists and in open forums. People are invited to give feedback. The talks can be very technical or sometimes political. Then comes the revision stage. The person who wrote the idea can make changes based on what others say. They may change it many times to get more people to agree. After that is the consensus stage. The chairs of the policy groups check if most people agree and there is no strong pushback. Last is the board check. The RIR board looks at the decision to make sure it fits the rules and laws before it is used.

This structure makes sure that policies are made from the bottom up, are open for everyone to see, and match the needs of each region. It is not quick and can take many months or even years for some ideas to be finished. This slow pace helps people trust the process. RIPE NCC says that including everyone is important because policies touch every network operator and also every internet user.

Why the RIR–ISP relationship is crucial  

The relationship between RIRs and ISPs is a partnership where both sides depend on each other. RIRs work on a large scale and make sure the giving of IP resources is fair and can be tracked across the whole region. ISPs work on a small scale and make sure these resources go to the people who use the internet. Without RIR control, ISPs could give themselves addresses, but this could cause duplication, routing problems, and security risks. Without ISPs using the allocations, the address blocks would stay in databases and not help real communication happen.

For example, when an ISP gets a /20 IPv4 block, which is 4,096 addresses, it must keep records in the RIR database. It must set up routing so traffic to these addresses goes to the right place. It must deal with reports if the addresses are used in the wrong way. RIR databases must be correct because an old or wrong record can slow down fixing problems or can send network blocks to the wrong place during security events.

Operational collaboration  

RIRs and ISPs work together in many ways. ISPs keep their allocation records correct in RIR databases so routing works well and problems can be fixed fast. Many ISPs use RPKI to check if routes are real. RIRs promote this to stop route hijacking. RIRs also give training to ISP technical teams on IPv6 setup, routing safety, and how to follow policy. These activities help both sides keep the internet stable and safe.

Challenges on the horizon  

IPv4 addresses are running out and ASNs, especially old 16-bit ASNs, are also becoming fewer, though 32-bit ASNs are still more available. IPv4 brokers can make trading faster but can also lead to speculation, higher prices, and less fair access. Routing is less safe when RPKI is not used everywhere, which makes it easier for bad actors to make false route announcements. Political issues like disputes over control, sanctions, and local data laws can affect how RIRs and ISPs work together. New technology like IoT and 5G needs more flexible IP use, which is speeding up the move to IPv6.

RIPE NCC and ISP collaboration  

In Europe and the Middle East, RIPE NCC uses a Local Internet Registry membership model that shows how organised cooperation works. Each ISP becomes a member and pays a yearly fee. The ISP then gets access to IP resources and can take part in the policy process. This setup keeps the community involved and helps make sure the policies match real-world needs. Members can join discussions, vote on proposals, and share technical feedback.

The way RIRs and ISPs work together to run the internet

The relationship between RIRs and ISPs is a steady force that helps keep the internet working. It makes sure that resources are given out in a fair way, that records are correct, and that the use of these resources follows the rules. IPv4 addresses are running out, and the use of IPv6 is still not the same in all places, so this partnership is becoming more important. RIRs and ISPs work together in many areas, from creating rules in public meetings to taking part in projects that make routing safer. They share the job of making sure the internet stays working, strong, and available to people everywhere.

FAQs  

1. What is the main role of an RIR?
   The main role of an RIR is to give out and manage IP addresses and ASNs in its region and keep public records correct.

2. Why do ISPs need RIRs?
   ISPs need RIRs because without them there could be address duplication and routing problems that could break network stability.

3. What happens when IPv4 runs out?
   When IPv4 runs out ISPs use IPv4 transfers and start moving to IPv6 to meet the need for more addresses.

4. Are all ISPs required to use IPv6 now?
   No. Some ISPs use IPv6 while others still rely on IPv4, and many run both so they can serve all custom

5. Can individuals interact with an RIR?
   Yes. Anyone can join policy talks but getting resources usually happens through an ISP or LIR.