| 2.1.Types of IP Addresses |
| For the purpose of this document, IP addresses are 32 bit binary numbers that are used as addresses in IPv4 protocols used in Internet. There are three types of IP addresses. |
| 2.1.1. Public IP Addresses |
| Public IP addresses constitute the Internet address space. These addresses are allocated so that they are globally unique, according to the objectives that will later be described herein. The main objective of this address space is to allow communication using IPv4 on Internet. A secondary objective is to allow communication between interconnected private networks. |
| 2.1.2. Private IP Addresses |
| Certain ranks of IP addresses have been reserved for the operation of private networks that use IP protocol. Any organization may use these IP addresses in their private networks without the need of requesting them from an Internet Registry. The main requirement established for the use of private IP addresses is that the hosts which use these IP addresses do not need to be reached through Internet. For a more detailed description of private IP address space, see RFC 1918. |
| 2.1.3. Special and Reserved IP Addresses
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These are ranks of IP addresses reserved for applications such as multicasting. These IP addresses are described in RFC 1112, and are beyond the scope of this document.
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| 2.2. Objectives of Public IP Address Space Distribution |
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According to the provisions of RFC 2050, each allocation and assignment of public IP addresses shall guarantee that the following four conditions are met.
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2.2.1. Exclusivity
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Each public IP address must be unique worldwide. This is an absolute requirement that guarantees that each Internet host can be uniquely identified.
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2.2.2. Preservation |
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Fair distribution of IP address space according to operational needs of end users operating networks and using this IP address space. In order to maximize the life span of public IP address space resources, IP addresses must be distributed according to end users' current needs; this avoids accumulation of unused IP addresses.
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2.2.3. Routeability |
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Global hierarchical distribution of IP addresses, which allows scaling IP address routing. This scaling is necessary to ensure proper operation of Internet routing.
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2.2.4. Registration |
Submission of documentation on IP address space allocations and assignments. This documentation is necessary to ensure exclusivity and provide information for locating errors on all Internet levels.
The consecution of the above mentioned objectives is in the best interest of the Internet community. However, it must be noted that preservation and routeability are frequently conflictive objectives. These objectives may at times conflict with the interests of ISPs, NIRs, or end users. When this is the case, it is necessary to analyze each particular situation carefully in order to reach an adequate compromise between the parties involved in the conflict.
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2.3. The Internet Registry System |
The Internet registry system has been established with the aim of enforcing the objectives of exclusivity, preservation, routeability and information. This system consists of hierarchically organized Internet registries (IRs). Typically, IP address spaces are assigned to end users by ISPs or NIRs. These IP address spaces are previously assigned to NIRs and ISPs by Regional Internet Registries.
Under this system, end users are organizations that operate networks that use IP address spaces. NIRs, as LACNIC, maintain IP address spaces to be allocated or assigned to end users or Internet Service Providers. Assigned IP address space is used to operate networks, whereas allocated IP address space is kept in Internet Registries for future assignment to end users.
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2.3.1. IANA (Internet Assigned Number Authority) |
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This organization has jurisdiction on the entire universe of IP address space used on Internet. IANA is the organization responsible for allocating part of the global IP address space to Regional Registries according to their needs.
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2.3.2. Regional Registries (RIR) |
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Regional Registries operate in large geopolitical areas, such as continents. Currently there are four established Regional Registries: ARIN (American Registry for Internet Numbers), serving the USA, Canada and South-Sahara Africa; RIPE NCC, serving Europe and part of Africa; APNIC, serving Asia and the Pacific; and LACNIC, serving Latin America and the Caribbean [Annex 1]. The number of Regional Registries is expected to remain small, as service areas shall remain of continental dimensions.
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2.3.3. National Internet Registries (NIR) |
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National Internet Registries are established under the authority of RIRs. These Internet Registries have the same role and responsibilities as Regional Registries, but within their assigned geographic areas. These areas are of national scope.
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2.3.4. Internet Service Providers (ISP) |
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Internet Service Providers mainly allocate IP address space to end users of the network services they provide. Their clients may be other ISPs. ISPs do not have geographical restrictions as do NIRs.
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2.3.5. End Users |
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End users are organizations that deploy and use IP addresses.
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