Requesting Independent Resources

You can request independent Internet number resources via two methods:

• Request Internet resources through a Local Internet Registry (LIR)
• Request internet resources directly from the RIPE NCC

Requesting Resources through an LIR

Best common practice is that an End User request Provider Aggregatable (PA) address space from an LIR. PA address space is the only way to scale the Internet and minimise the number of routes. As an End User, you can request independent Internet number resources (Provider Independent (PI) address space, Autonomous System (AS) Numbers, IPv6 IXP assignments, anycast assignments) through a sponsoring LIR. To do this, you must contact an LIR and request an assignment through them. The sponsoring LIR will then request resources from the RIPE NCC on your behalf. The End User needs to have a contractual relationship with a sponsoring LIR.

Requirements for this contractual relationship

See Membership Information to get a list of the LIRs in the countries where the RIPE NCC offers its services.

Requesting resources directly from the RIPE NCC

End Users can request independent resources directly from the RIPE NCC. This requires setting up a Direct Assignment User account with the RIPE NCC.

Should I become a Direct Assignment User?

• YES: If you do not want to go through an LIR and you only require a small assignment of Provider Independent (PI) address space and/or other independent resources. You should also have resources available to administer the Internet resources yourself.
• NO: If your organisation needs a large amount of IPv4, IPv6 and AS Numbers, routable blocks of address space and/or make assignments to End Users or customers.

Direct Assignment Users do not receive any services from the RIPE NCC, nor can they attend the RIPE NCC General Meeting.

Direct Assignment Users can only request independent resources for their own infrastructure, not for any third party.

Fee structure for Direct Assignment Users

How Do I Register as a Direct Assignment User?

Fill in the application form, sign the End User Assignment Agreement and pay the Direct Assignment User fees.