4 Min Read | 23 Sep 2024 | Key Words: IPv4 Waiting List, IP Leasing, RIRs, Scarcity IP Management
What is an IPv4 waiting list? How does it work and who operates it? Is there a way to get IP resources without joining a waiting list? Uncover all answers in this post.
IPv4 addresses are essential for the internet, but with the rapid growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) and overall internet use, IPv4 addresses are running out. This scarcity means businesses might have to join an IPv4 waiting list managed by their Regional Internet Registry (RIR) to get these addresses.
What is an IPv4 waiting list?
An IPv4 waiting list is a way for companies to get IP addresses when they’re in short supply. Because the pool of available IPv4 addresses is dwindling, RIRs, the organizations responsible for allocating IPs, have established waiting lists. These lists help distribute the remaining addresses fairly, often pulling from a pool of addresses that are no longer in use by previous owners.
Waiting for IPv4 Allocations?
Unfortunately, joining an IPv4 waiting list can mean waiting for a long time—sometimes months or even years—depending on the region and demand. For example, the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) and other RIRs like RIPE NCC in Europe and LACNIC in Latin America have waiting lists that can stretch on for many months or even years.
How does it work?
Not all RIRs have waiting lists, but those that do have specific rules. For example, ARIN, RIPE NCC, and LACNIC have lists, while others might not. Each RIR manages its own list and updates it based on how many addresses they can recover from businesses that no longer need them. However, the number of recovered IP addresses is often small and cannot meet the growing demand.
IP Address Waiting List Requirements
To join a waiting list, companies must meet certain requirements set by the RIRs. For instance, only members of a registry, like Local Internet Registries (LIRs), can request IP addresses. Additionally, some RIRs, like LACNIC, require that companies have already received IPv6 addresses before they can request IPv4 addresses, encouraging the use of the newer IPv6 standard.
Can waiting lists be avoided?
While waiting lists are one option, they are not the only solution for obtaining IPv4 addresses. One alternative is IP leasing, which allows businesses to get the addresses they need without the long wait. Platforms like IPv4 Superhub provide immediate access to leased IP addresses, by passing the traditional waiting lists and allowing for greater flexibility.
Leasing IPv4 addresses is a faster and more flexible solution than waiting for allocation through a waiting list. Platforms like IPv4 Superhub offer a quick, automated way to lease the IP addresses businesses need. This allows companies to access any number of IP addresses, large or small, without the delays associated with RIR waiting lists.
There is no need to wait
The scarcity of IPv4 addresses continues to pose significant challenges for businesses that need a reliable Internet connection. While the Regional Internet Registry (RIRs) manages a limited supply of IPv4 addresses, the process of obtaining an IPv4 address through a waiting list can be slow and unpredictable. For businesses that need immediate access to IP resources, waiting for allocation may not be a viable solution.
An alternative solution for obtaining IP addresses
Leasing offers a more flexible and faster solution that allows businesses to access the IP addresses they need without the delays often encountered in waiting lists. This approach provides greater flexibility in managing address requirements, especially for companies with dynamic or changing requirements.
Leasing Advantages:
- Instant availability: Businesses can avoid long waits and quickly access the necessary IP addresses.
- Flexible terms: Lease agreements can be tailored to specific operational needs, providing multiple ways to manage IP resources.
- Cost effective: Leasing helps avoid the high upfront costs associated with buying an IP address outright, making it a more cost-effective option in many cases.
Comprehensive management support:
For businesses that prefer leasing, many platforms offer additional services such as IP reputation monitoring, setup management, and abuse handling, ensuring that the technical and security aspects of IP management are well supported.
