In order to access Internet end systems, unambiguous addresses (IP adresses) need to be assigned and administered world-wide. A network address must not be assigned to multiple Internet participants. For this purpose, five Regional Internet Registries (RIR) were established that operate world-wide. Further, more detailed information can be found in the article "Development of the Regional Internet Registry System" ( see link below).
Development of the Regional Internet Registry System
Presently there are five regional registries:
- RIPE NCC (Réseaux IP Européens Network Coordination Centre) for Europe
- ARIN (American Registry for Internet Numbers) for North America
- LACNIC (Latin American and Caribbean IP address Regional Registry) for Latin America
- APNIC (Asia Pacific Network Information Centre) for Asia-Pacific
- AfriNIC (African Internet Numbers Registry) for Africa
