March 24, 2017

Finding Your Way To IPv4 Address Leasing Market

In a recent ARIN conference, the case of IPv4 leasing was brought up. Representatives from ARIN discussed a correlation between organizations that have been unable to acquire IPv4 addresses through the ARIN needs based process and IPv4 address leasing.

The concept of leasing, or more appropriately, sub-leasing IPv4 addresses (as ARIN leases out IPv4 addresses in the first place) is a telltale sign of the shortage we are facing.

While sub leasing is an easy way to accommodate those who really need IPv4 addresses, there are some issues as raised by ARIN.

For many professionals from the private IPv4 marketplace, it is still unclear how ARIN is picking up on instances of IPv4 leasing.

There is the obvious fact that the information being routed through the address changes dramatically once it is shifted to another organization, while the contact information remains the same; or people from the private marketplace are tipping off to ARIN. Either way, what matters here is maintaining clear transparency and inquiring ARIN about its basis for refused transfers.

What truly is a problem for ARIN is that leasing is done outside its governance. It is natural for a governing body to be concerned about control over its products. Part of ARIN’s power is its ability to identify the contact information for an address. The Whois Directory in some cases has also been used to identify parties routing their address blocks.

Considering the operational aspects, if an organization routing the address cannot be contacted, administrators could face difficulties resolving network issues and institutions seeking information from Whois directory; for example, law enforcement would be unable to do their jobs effectively. The truth is, lessors are actually in a better position to maintain contact information for lessees.

At present, ARIN suggested three possible policy changes:

• Revise policies that prevent lease of addresses without a need based assessment.
• Decide that this isn’t an issue for ARIN.
• Develop a policy that requires the party leasing the address to be listed as an operational contact.

This also means if you are currently leasing out IPv4 addresses or acquiring addresses from lessor, you are safe. There aren’t any regulations binding you, nor are there any limitations. The only thing you need to consider is finding a service provider that guarantees easy and reliable access to IPv4 address.

At IPv4 Mall, we offer you the chance to sell and buy IPv4 addresses in a safe and monitored environment. Get in touch with us to learn more about our services.