Rationing IP Addresses
It won’t be long before IP addresses are not an unlimited resource in today’s internet world. There are a limited number of IP addresses available, and there has even been gossip about running out of IP addresses within the next year or two. Though this is probably exaggerated, it is true that the IP address space can only handle so much. It is important to know when you truly need more than one IP address, so everyone can work towards conserving them.
The Internet Service Provider (ISP) isn’t able to create IP addresses from scratch. They must instead petition for a new set of IP addresses through the Regional Internet Registries (RIR). The ISP will then parcel out these new IP addresses to customers. Every part of the world has their respective RIR– North American is handled by ARIN, RIPE is in charge of Europe, APNIC is used in the Asia-Pacific areas, and lastly Latin America is handled by LACNIC.
Every one of these RIR’s enforce very strict and complex rules when it comes to working with the ISPs to ensure proper distributing of new addresses. This may seem overboard, but it is the only fair way to distribute IP addresses to those who truly need more. Unless you need over 500 new IP addresses you really only need to work through your RIR and follow their rules to obtain new IP addresses.
Occasionally, the RIR in your area will require proof of your ISP to obtain new IP addresses. They will require a demonstration of the current IP addresses usage to ensure you are using them to their fullest extent. If you can’t offer a proper demonstration, you will very likely be denied. Due to this ISP network engineers are cracking down on giving out IP addresses. The result of this is that you will need to justify your reasons for needing more IP addresses with proof. It has nothing to do with the ISP being overly strict or trying to take your money. IP addresses are simply in short supply, and only those who truly need them should be able to purchase new ones.
Though rules may depend on your certain ISP, there are a few rules that an ISP should consider when determining when someone should be able to purchase more IP addresses. If someone requires more than 15 IP addresses, it should be determined when this individual will be using at minimum a quarter of them to their max efficiency. It should also be determined whether at least half will be used to max efficiency within 6 months. If an individual is asking for more IP addresses, there should be proof that 80% of their current addresses are being used properly.
These types of restrictions may seem overboard, but they are in place to ensure that those who truly need more IP addresses are able to get them. It weeds out the individuals who merely want rather than need more IP addresses.
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