Latin America’s Internet Registry (LACNIC)

The Latin American and Caribbean Internet Addresses Registry (LACNIC) is one of the five Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) that manage vital Internet number resources. Serving Latin America and parts of the Caribbean, LACNIC plays a critical role in allocating IP addresses, maintaining routing security, and supporting regional Internet development.

In Short

• LACNIC oversees the allocation of IPv4 and adoption of IPv6 as well as Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs) throughout Latin America and parts of the Caribbean.
• Since IPv4 depletion in 2011 for its region, it has promoted IPv6 adoption and developed transfer policies to manage the remaining IPv4 pool.
• Beyond allocation, it maintains essential registry and routing security services, technical coordination, and community education to strengthen the region’s Internet ecosystem.

The Five Regional Internet Registries (RIRs)

Globally, Internet number resources are managed by five RIRs:

• AFRINIC – The African Network Information Center
• APNIC – The Asia-Pacific Network Information Center
• ARIN – North America
• LACNIC – The Latin America and Caribbean Network Information Center
• RIPE NCC – The Réseaux IP Européens Network Coordination Center

Each registry ensures the fair and efficient distribution of IP addresses and ASNs in its service region to keep the Internet globally connected.

Geographic Scope

LACNIC’s jurisdiction covers a diverse region, including:

• Latin America: All Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries from Mexico through South America.
• Caribbean Nations: Many island states and territories not covered by ARIN.
• Special Territories: Certain overseas departments and regions of European countries in the Americas.

This service area encompasses thousands of networks, from large national telecom operators to small community ISPs.

Core Functions and Services

1. Resource Management

As a regional registry, it manages the allocation and assignment of IPv4, IPv6, and ASNs across its region. With IPv4 largely exhausted, it enforces policies for transfers and strongly advocates IPv6 deployment to ensure sustainable growth.

2. Registry and Database Services

LACNIC operates:

• WHOIS Database – Public directory of IP address and ASN allocations.
• Internet Routing Registry (IRR) – Provides route objects for network operators to increase routing security.
• RPKI (Resource Public Key Infrastructure) – Helps prevent IP hijacks and route leaks by cryptographically validating route origins.

3. Technical Coordination and Security

LACNIC collaborates with operators, governments, and the global Internet community to promote best practices in routing security, DNS, and network resilience.

4. Policy Development and Community Support

LACNIC’s policy development process is open and community-driven, enabling stakeholders to shape the rules governing Internet number resources. The organization also runs training programs, workshops, and technical forums across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Focus Areas

• IPv4 & IPv6 Transition: Supporting a smooth transition to IPv6 while managing scarce IPv4 resources.
• Routing Security: Expanding RPKI coverage to strengthen the region’s Internet routing.
• Capacity Building: Offering courses, webinars, and regional events to train network professionals.
• Internet Governance: Facilitating regional participation in global Internet policy discussions.

History and Evolution

LACNIC was officially established in 2002 to take over responsibility for Latin America and parts of the Caribbean previously served by ARIN. This was a milestone in giving the region its own dedicated registry to handle Internet number resources.

Since its creation, LACNIC has:

• Managed the region’s IPv4 depletion and supported a growing IPv4 transfer market.
• Built out IPv6 allocation programs and community outreach to accelerate deployment.
• Enhanced routing security infrastructure through RPKI and other initiatives.

The Future

With IPv4 resources nearly exhausted, LACNIC is at the forefront of promoting IPv6 and routing security in Latin America and the Caribbean. Through its registry services, technical programs, and open policy forums, the registry continues to strengthen Internet stability, resilience, and equity across the region.

For ISPs, content networks, and governments in Latin America and the Caribbean, understanding its role is essential. It is far more than a registry: it is a cornerstone of the region’s digital future.

LACNIC FAQ

Additional Reading

• What is ARIN? North America’s Internet Registry
• What is Réseaux IP Européens (RIPE NCC)?
• What is APNIC: The Asia-Pacific’s Internet Registry
• IPv4 vs IPv6: Pros and Cons of Each