APNIC

The Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) is one of the five Regional Internet Registries (RIRs), responsible for allocating and registering Internet number resources – IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, as well as Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs) – across the Asia-Pacific region. Its vast service area includes East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Oceania, and the Pacific Islands, encompassing some of the world’s fastest-growing and most diverse Internet markets.

As a not-for-profit, membership-based organization headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, APNIC emphasizes community-driven policy development, capacity building, and technical training. It plays a crucial role in supporting Internet development in emerging economies while maintaining accurate registries and promoting secure, stable routing practices.

APNIC was established in 1993 as the third RIR, following RIPE NCC and shortly after the creation of InterNIC (predecessor to ARIN). Initially a pilot project coordinated by the Asia-Pacific Networking Group, it became a fully independent registry in 1996.

APNIC was the first RIR to face IPv4 exhaustion, reaching its final /8 block in April 2011 and implementing strict final-stage policies. This early scarcity drove innovative approaches to transfers and accelerated IPv6 advocacy. Throughout the 2010s and 2020s, APNIC expanded its focus on training programs, security initiatives, and infrastructure support for developing member economies. Relocation to Brisbane in 1998 and ongoing investments in tools and community engagement have solidified its position as a leader in regional Internet governance.

APNIC operates through a transparent, consensus-based model that balances technical administration with strong community input.

Policies are shaped via the open APNIC Policy Development Process (PDP). Proposals are submitted by anyone, discussed on mailing lists, and refined at biannual APNIC conferences (often co-located with APRICOT). Consensus is reached openly, and the APNIC Executive Council formally adopts agreed policies.

This inclusive approach ensures policies suit the region’s diverse needs, from large economies like China and India to small Pacific island nations.

APNIC maintains the authoritative WHOIS database for its region, recording allocations, contacts, and routing objects. The database supports RDAP (modern RESTful interface) alongside traditional WHOIS queries.

Resource requests are submitted via MyAPNIC portal, reviewed by hostmasters against policy, and registered publicly. APNIC also hosts a robust RPKI repository for route origin validation.

Example WHOIS Entry (simplified):
inetnum:        203.119.0.0 - 203.119.255.255
netname:        APNIC-LABS
descr:          Asia Pacific Network Information Centre
country:        AU
admin-c:        ANIC1-AP
tech-c:         ANIC1-AP
status:         ALLOCATED PORTABLE
mnt-by:         APNIC-HM

Funding comes primarily from membership fees scaled by resource holdings. Members range from large national ISPs to small community networks and elect the Executive Council.

APNIC manages:

• IPv4: Exhausted since 2011; limited final-stage allocations (max /24 per member) and active transfer market.
• IPv6: Generous allocations to promote deployment.
• ASNs: 32-bit standard, allocated based on need.

Special focus on supporting critical infrastructure and developing economies.

With over 20,000 members, APNIC serves major operators like China Telecom, NTT, Reliance Jio, Telstra, and countless smaller networks. The Executive Council, elected by members, oversees strategy alongside professional staff.

APNIC coordinates globally via the Number Resource Organization (NRO) and regionally through forums like APRICOT and national Internet governance initiatives.

APNIC provides extensive tools and programs:

• MyAPNIC – Secure resource management portal
• WHOIS/RDAP – Public registry queries
• RPKI and IRR services
• APNIC Academy – Online and in-person training
• Technical assistance and fellowship programs
• Research and measurement tools (e.g., resource statistics, routing dashboards)
• Community development grants

These services are especially valuable for capacity building in underserved areas.

The region’s diversity – from highly developed networks to emerging ones – creates complex policy needs. IPv4 scarcity remains acute, with high transfer costs affecting smaller operators.

Rapid growth in countries like India and Indonesia strains registry accuracy and abuse mitigation. Balancing open access with security, while addressing language and cultural barriers, requires ongoing effort.

By 2026, APNIC leads in training and security initiatives, with strong RPKI adoption and tools helping combat route leaks. Its focus on IPv6 and community support accelerates deployment in high-growth markets.

As 5G, IoT, and satellite networks expand across the Pacific and Asia, APNIC adapts policies and provides technical guidance. Collaboration with governments and NGOs on digital inclusion strengthens Internet resilience in the world’s most populous region.

The Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre has been instrumental in managing explosive Internet growth across one of the most dynamic regions on Earth. From pioneering IPv4 exhaustion policies to championing training and security, APNIC’s community-driven approach supports both advanced economies and emerging networks. As the Asia-Pacific continues leading global Internet expansion, APNIC remains essential for equitable, secure, and sustainable resource management.

• APNIC Official Website
• APNIC Policy Manual
• APNIC Blog and Research Reports
• Number Resource Organization Documentation

Information compiled from the official APNIC website, policy documents, conference archives, WHOIS data, NRO reports, and industry resources up to 2026.

• APNIC Official Website
• APNIC Policy Development
• MyAPNIC Portal
• APNIC Academy