Qualified IPv4 Brokers in ARIN, RIPE, APNIC & LACNIC
20 July 2022IPv4 has become a commodity market, but there are complexities to it While the internet registries exhausted their free pool of IPs, there are multiple routes you can take in buying IP addresses. In this article, we go through the various options of choosing an IP broker, to help clarify.
Some RIRs (Regional Internet Registries) have programs for qualifying brokers. Brander Group i on of a handull of aqualified ARIN Facilitator . ARIN, the North American internet registry, is one of the largest and oldest. Brander Group is also Registered IP Broker with APNIC.
ARIN (North America)
The American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) Qualified Facilitators pass certification requirements, and register with its Specified Transfer Listing Service. They are generally full-service brokers who are familiar with all the nuances and policies, and are able to facilitate specified transfer, following ARIN policy.
The process for an ARIN transfer requires qualification, and can take several weeks. For more detail, we outline the process here.
RIPE NCC (Europe, Middle East, and Central Asia regions)
In 2023, Réseaux IP Européens Network Coordination Centre (RIPE) decommissioned its Recognized IP Transfer Brokers list, with plans to return it in some form later in 2024. So currently, there are no officially recognized RIPE brokers.
Brander Group works with RIPE transfers, and is happy to assist with them. The process can take a few weeks, and we outline it here.
APNIC (Asia Pacific region)
Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) maintains a list of registered IPv4 brokers, of which Brander Group is one. The brokers included here have signed an agreement with APNIC to operate according to its Guidelines for IPv4 brokers. These are not official agents of APNIC, which maintains neutrality with brokers, and does not sponsor, endorse, or approves services provided.
The process for an APNIC transfer requires qualification, and can take several weeks. For more detail, we outline the process here.
IPv4 Auctions and Marketplaces
Buying IPv4 via an online IPv4 marketplaces includes auctions, and “buy now” markets, and private brokerages. Some of these may offer financial assistance to sellers or buyers under certain conditions. Additionally, leasing options are available to help reduce capital outlay, offer flexibility and satisfy anyone who doesnt have long term needs..
Each type of broker service has its own benefits. And can be ideal depending on need. Generally speaking, the larger ones are beneficial to buyers, in offering more options and stable prices. Prices can fluctuate more in smaller markets. Larger IP marketplaces, attract diverse buyers, and bidding competition that can benefit sellers. In terms of price, selection, or other factors, larger marketplaces tend to provide advantages to both buyers and sellers.
For leasing, it can be more or less expensive than buying, depending on the lease term. Brander Group has a leasing cost calculator to help with this.
Buying Directly Through IPv4 Brokerages
Brokers may solicit requests for specific blocks and subsequently make efforts to source them. This arrangement can offer advantages. By using a broker, the process can be done anonymously up to the point of actual transfer, in cases where the identity of the buyer might affect the price. Both buyer or seller can confidentially work with an intermediary. The transaction can then be arranged and the price negotiated without revealing the identities of the buyer or seller.
Buying Directly Through IP Marketplaces
Some IP marketplaces function much like online stores, maintaining real time inventory of IPv4 blocks. These blocks frequently move in and out of the store, and some brokers adjust their prices based on current demand—even for blocks that are already listed or previously sold. Typically, the sellers set the pricing and terms for their blocks, and the marketplace simply facilitates these offerings.
These sites typically maintain consistent pricing, which can be beneficial when working with corporate finance departments, and lengthy internal processes for expenditure approvals. Price stability is especially vital for large organizations, which tend to have a longer process for approving expenses.
Transparency in the Process
The level of detail provided to both buyers and sellers varies by brokerage. Brander Group provides detailed information publicly, the IPv4 block size, location, blaklist reports and registry. More detailed information about all blocks we sell are available instantly by registering for an account, to protect privacy. To see prices and detailed information, you need just need to sign up on our online platform ipv4connect.com.
Is An IPv4 Broker Necessary?
Using a broker is not mandatory. If the buyer and seller are acquainted, they can transact directly. However, they must coordinate with the RIR to follow its procedures. If the transfer involves moving space between regions, coordination with both RIRs is necessary.
Top IPv4 brokers possess extensive knowledge of the process and its legal nuances. They can save both parties valuable time by handling background checks, ongoing administration, and managing escrow transfers of funds, among other services.
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