What is a Local Internet Registry?

In the complex ecosystem of Internet infrastructure, Local Internet Registries (LIRs) play a critical role in managing and distributing IP address resources. Understanding what an LIR is and how it functions is essential for network operators, ISPs, and organizations planning their IP resource strategy.

Definition and Role

A Local Internet Registry (LIR) is an organization that receives allocations of IP addresses and Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs) from a Regional Internet Registry (RIR) and assigns these resources to end users or uses them in its own network infrastructure.

According to the official Internet governance structure, an LIR is typically:

• An Internet Service Provider (ISP)
• A hosting company
• A large enterprise or organization
• Any entity providing network services requiring IP address management

The fundamental purpose of an LIR is to serve as an intermediary between the Regional Internet Registry and the end users who need IP resources, ensuring proper allocation, assignment, and documentation of Internet number resources.

The Internet Registry Hierarchy

To understand where LIRs fit in, it's important to understand the hierarchical structure of Internet number resource distribution:

Level 1: IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority)

At the top of the hierarchy, IANA manages the global pool of IP addresses and allocates large blocks to the Regional Internet Registries.

Level 2: RIRs (Regional Internet Registries)

Five RIRs cover different geographical regions:

• RIPE NCC - Europe, Middle East, and Central Asia
• ARIN - North America
• APNIC - Asia-Pacific region
• LACNIC - Latin America and Caribbean
• AFRINIC - Africa

RIRs receive allocations from IANA and distribute them to LIRs within their service regions.

Level 3: LIRs (Local Internet Registries)

LIRs receive allocations from RIRs and assign resources to their customers and end users. This is where most Internet service providers and hosting companies operate.

Level 4: End Users

Organizations and individuals who receive IP address assignments from LIRs for their network infrastructure.

This hierarchical model ensures organized distribution, proper documentation, and accountability for all Internet number resources globally.

What Does an LIR Do?

LIRs have several key responsibilities and functions:

1. Resource Allocation Management

LIRs receive Provider Aggregatable (PA) address space from their Regional Internet Registry. They then sub-allocate or assign portions of this space to:

• Customers requiring IP addresses for their networks
• Infrastructure networks they operate
• Downstream service providers
• End users with justified needs

2. RIPE Database Maintenance

LIRs are responsible for maintaining accurate registration data in the RIPE Database (for RIPE NCC members), including:

• IP address assignments and allocations
• Contact information for resource holders
• Routing information and network objects
• Reverse DNS delegations

3. Compliance and Policy Enforcement

LIRs must:

• Follow RIR policies for resource distribution
• Verify customer justifications for IP address requests
• Ensure proper documentation of all assignments
• Conduct due diligence on resource usage
• Report to the RIR as required

4. Technical Support and Guidance

Many LIRs provide:

• Assistance with IP address planning
• Routing and network configuration support
• Help with RIPE Database object creation
• Guidance on best practices for resource usage

5. Sponsoring Services

LIRs can act as sponsoring organizations for:

• Provider Independent (PI) resource requests
• Autonomous System Number (ASN) applications
• Organizations not ready to become LIRs themselves

Types of Organizations That Become LIRs

Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

The most common type of LIR, ISPs provide Internet connectivity and need to assign IP addresses to their customers. Becoming an LIR allows them to:

• Obtain their own IP address allocations
• Maintain control over their address space
• Offer more flexible services to customers
• Avoid dependency on upstream provider address space

Hosting and Cloud Providers

Companies offering hosting, colocation, or cloud services typically become LIRs to:

• Provide portable IP addresses to customers
• Offer more sophisticated network services
• Maintain address space across different upstream providers
• Enable customers to keep IP addresses when changing services

Large Enterprises

Multinational corporations and large organizations may become LIRs when they:

• Operate extensive network infrastructure
• Provide network services to subsidiaries
• Need provider-independent address space
• Want direct control over their IP resources

Educational and Research Institutions

Universities and research networks often become LIRs to:

• Manage campus networks
• Provide services to multiple departments
• Support research and academic networking
• Maintain independent network infrastructure

Telecommunications Companies

Telecom operators become LIRs to:

• Support mobile and fixed-line networks
• Provide IP services to business customers
• Manage complex multi-service networks
• Enable advanced networking capabilities

LIR Membership Requirements

To become an LIR with RIPE NCC (the primary RIR for Europe, Middle East, and Central Asia), organizations must:

Legal Requirements

• Be a legally established organization
• Have a registered business address in the RIPE NCC service region
• Provide company registration documentation

Technical Requirements

• Have a clear plan for using IP address space
• Demonstrate technical capability to manage IP resources
• Have personnel with appropriate networking knowledge
• Be able to maintain accurate registration data

Financial Requirements

• Pay the annual membership fee (€1,800 for 2025)
• Pay the one-time sign-up fee (€1,000 for new members)
• Cover any additional fees for independent resources or ASN assignments

Operational Requirements

• Accept and follow RIPE policies
• Maintain accurate contact information
• Respond to RIPE NCC requests and audits
• Keep the RIPE Database updated

Benefits of Being an LIR

Resource Independence

LIRs have direct access to IP address allocations without depending on upstream providers, allowing for:

• Greater flexibility in network design
• Easier provider changes without renumbering
• Long-term address space planning
• Control over reverse DNS and routing policies

Business Advantages

Operating as an LIR provides:

• Enhanced credibility in the marketplace
• Ability to offer more competitive services
• Direct relationship with the Regional Internet Registry
• Participation in RIR policy development

Technical Capabilities

LIRs gain:

• Authority to make sub-allocations to customers
• Ability to sponsor PI resource requests for clients
• Direct control over IP resource management
• Access to RIR training and support resources

Community Participation

LIR membership includes:

• Voting rights in RIR governance
• Access to RIPE meetings and events
• Networking opportunities with other LIRs
• Free training courses and certifications

LIR vs. Other Resource Options

Organizations seeking IP resources have several options:

LIR Membership

Best for organizations that:

• Regularly need IP addresses for customers or infrastructure
• Provide Internet or hosting services
• Want maximum control over their address space
• Can justify the membership costs

Sponsored PI Resources

Appropriate for organizations that:

• Need a specific block of provider-independent addresses
• Don't require ongoing allocations
• Want to avoid LIR membership costs
• Have a sponsoring LIR to work with

Provider-Assigned (PA) Resources

Suitable for organizations that:

• Are primarily end users without downstream customers
• Accept dependency on their service provider
• Don't need portable address space
• Want the simplest and lowest-cost option

For a detailed comparison of these options, see our guide on Becoming a RIPE LIR: Setup & Management.

The LIR's Relationship with RIPE NCC

When an organization becomes an LIR member of RIPE NCC, several key relationships are established:

Contractual Relationship

The LIR signs the RIPE NCC LIR Account Agreement, which defines:

• Membership terms and conditions
• Financial obligations
• Compliance requirements
• Data protection and privacy policies

Operational Relationship

LIRs interact with RIPE NCC through:

• The LIR Portal for resource requests and account management
• The RIPE Database for registration data
• Email and ticketing systems for support
• Training programs and certification courses

Community Relationship

As members, LIRs participate in:

• RIPE community meetings and working groups
• Policy development processes
• General meetings with voting rights
• Task forces and special interest groups

Common Misconceptions About LIRs

"You Need to Be an ISP to Become an LIR"

While most LIRs are ISPs, any legally established organization with a legitimate need for IP resources and the ability to manage them properly can become an LIR.

"LIR Membership Guarantees Large IP Allocations"

LIRs receive allocations based on justified need. While the current policy allows LIRs to receive a /24 IPv4 allocation from the last /8 pool, larger historical allocations are no longer available due to IPv4 exhaustion.

"LIRs Can Do Whatever They Want with Their Address Space"

LIRs must follow strict RIR policies regarding how they use, assign, and document their address space. Violations can result in resource recovery or membership termination.

"Once You're an LIR, You're Set for Life"

LIR membership requires ongoing maintenance, including annual fees, database accuracy, policy compliance, and responding to audits. It's an active responsibility, not a one-time achievement.

The Future of LIRs

As the Internet continues to evolve, the role of LIRs is also changing:

IPv4 Scarcity

With IPv4 address exhaustion, LIRs are:

• Managing increasingly precious IPv4 resources
• Helping customers transition to IPv6
• Participating in IPv4 transfer markets
• Optimizing existing allocations

IPv6 Deployment

LIRs play a crucial role in IPv6 adoption by:

• Receiving generous IPv6 allocations from RIRs
• Assigning IPv6 addresses to customers
• Providing dual-stack services
• Educating customers about IPv6

Policy Evolution

LIRs participate in ongoing policy development to address:

• Resource transfer mechanisms
• Allocation criteria and justification
• Database accuracy and security
• Emerging networking technologies

Enhanced Compliance

RIRs are increasing focus on:

• Registration data accuracy
• Resource usage validation
• Anti-fraud measures
• Regular audits and verification

Getting Started as an LIR

Organizations interested in becoming an LIR should:

1. Assess Your Needs - Determine if LIR membership aligns with your business model and resource requirements
2. Understand the Costs - Budget for setup fees, annual membership, and ongoing operational costs
3. Prepare Documentation - Gather company registration, network plans, and justification materials
4. Choose Your Approach - Decide whether to apply directly or work with a consultant
5. Submit Your Application - Complete the membership application through the RIPE NCC

For organizations not ready for full LIR membership, working with an existing LIR as a sponsor for PI resources or using provider-assigned addresses may be more appropriate interim solutions.

To learn more about the complete process of becoming an LIR, including detailed steps, requirements, and best practices, read our comprehensive guide: Becoming a RIPE LIR: Setup & Management.

Conclusion

Local Internet Registries are fundamental components of Internet infrastructure, serving as the crucial link between Regional Internet Registries and the organizations that need IP address resources. Whether you're an ISP, hosting provider, enterprise, or other network operator, understanding the role and function of LIRs is essential for making informed decisions about your IP resource strategy.

Becoming an LIR represents a significant commitment but offers substantial benefits for organizations that regularly work with IP addresses and network services. By taking on the responsibilities of resource management, database maintenance, and policy compliance, LIRs help ensure the stable, secure, and organized operation of the global Internet.

Sources:

• RIPE NCC LIR Basics: https://www.ripe.net/membership/member-support/lir-basics/
• The Internet Registry System: https://www.ripe.net/community/internet-governance/internet-technical-community/the-rir-system/
• The Number Resource Organization: https://www.nro.net/about/rirs/the-internet-registry-system/

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