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LACNIC
What is LACNIC?
The Latin American and Caribbean Internet Addresses Registry (LACNIC) is the Regional Internet Registry (RIR) responsible for allocating and registering Internet number resources – IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, as well as Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs) – across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Headquartered in Montevideo, Uruguay, LACNIC is a non-profit, membership-based organization that emphasizes community participation, capacity building, and supporting Internet development in a diverse region ranging from large economies like Brazil and Mexico to smaller island nations.
Brief History of LACNIC
LACNIC was established in 2002 as the fifth and final RIR, completing the global regional system. Before its creation, the region received resources primarily from ARIN, which limited local policy influence.
Formed through a community-driven process supported by existing RIRs and regional organizations, LACNIC began operations in 2002 and achieved full recognition in 2005. It reached IPv4 exhaustion in 2014, implementing strict final-phase policies, and has since focused on IPv6 promotion, training, and security initiatives.
In the 2020s, LACNIC expanded outreach, fellowships, and technical assistance to foster inclusive growth amid rapid regional expansion.
How LACNIC Works
LACNIC follows a transparent, consensus-based governance model with strong emphasis on regional needs and development.
Policy Development Process
Policies are developed openly through the LACNIC Policy Development Process (PDP). Proposals are submitted by anyone, discussed on public mailing lists, and presented at LACNIC meetings (held annually, often with LACNOG). Consensus is reached collaboratively, and the Board adopts agreed policies.
This inclusive approach accommodates linguistic and cultural diversity across Spanish-, Portuguese-, and English-speaking members.
Resource Registration and WHOIS
LACNIC maintains the regional WHOIS database (now with RDAP support) for registration details.
Requests are processed via the MiLACNIC portal, evaluated against policy, and registered publicly. LACNIC also supports RPKI for routing security.
Example WHOIS Entry (simplified): inetnum: 200.0.0.0 - 200.0.255.255 netname: LACNIC-TEST descr: Latin American and Caribbean IP address Regional Registry country: UY admin-c: LAC1-LACNIC tech-c: LAC1-LACNIC status: ALLOCATED mnt-by: LACNIC-MNT
For detailed investigation of any IP address allocated in the region (including owner, geolocation, and hosting info), tools like IP Lookup provide comprehensive data from public registries.
Membership and Funding
Funding comes primarily from membership fees scaled by resource holdings, supplemented by training and projects. Members elect the Board and participate in governance.
Resource Allocation and Policies
LACNIC manages the allocation of Internet number resources with policies designed to meet the specific needs of Latin America and the Caribbean, balancing scarcity in IPv4 with encouragement of IPv6 adoption and sustainable growth.
IPv4 resources have been exhausted since 2014. Remaining allocations are strictly limited, with a maximum of a /22 block available under final-phase policies, and an active transfer market supports reuse, including inter-RIR transfers for organizations demonstrating justified need.
IPv6 allocations remain abundant, reflecting the protocol's vast address space. End-user organizations typically receive at least a /48 block, while Internet Service Providers qualify for larger assignments to support their networks and customers, promoting widespread deployment.
Autonomous System Numbers are primarily issued from the 32-bit pool and require demonstrated justification, such as multi-homing to multiple providers or the implementation of a unique routing policy.
These policies prioritize critical infrastructure, new entrants, and the region's ongoing digital development.
Key Players and Membership
Members include major operators (Claro, Telefonica, TIM Brasil), national research networks, governments, and growing cloud/content providers. The Board reflects regional diversity.
LACNIC coordinates globally via the NRO and regionally through LACNOG, national IGFs, and development organizations.
Practical Uses and Services
LACNIC offers:
- MiLACNIC portal for resource management
- WHOIS/RDAP queries
- RPKI and IRR services
- Extensive training programs and certifications
- Fellowships and community grants
- Internet measurement tools and research
These initiatives are vital for capacity building in emerging networks.
Challenges and Limitations
The region's diversity – economic disparities, linguistic variety, and infrastructure gaps – complicates uniform policy application. IPv4 scarcity impacts smaller operators disproportionately.
Rapid-growth in countries like Brazil and Mexico strains registry accuracy. Natural disasters and political instability occasionally affect operations.
LACNIC in Modern Networking
By 2026, LACNIC leads in IPv6 promotion and routing security within the region, with strong RPKI adoption. Training programs support network expansion in underserved areas.
As cloud, 5G, and community networks grow, LACNIC adapts policies for sustainable development. Partnerships with governments and NGOs advance digital inclusion across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Summary
The Latin American and Caribbean Internet Addresses Registry plays a crucial role in managing Internet resources for one of the world's most dynamic and diverse regions. Through community governance, extensive training, and development focus, LACNIC supports equitable growth while navigating IPv4 scarcity and promoting IPv6. As connectivity expands rapidly, LACNIC remains essential for stable, inclusive Internet infrastructure in Latin America and the Caribbean.
References
- LACNIC Official Website
- LACNIC Policy Manual
- LACNIC Annual Reports
- Number Resource Organization Documentation
Sources
Information compiled from the official LACNIC website, policy documents, meeting archives, WHOIS data, NRO reports, and industry resources up to 2026.