The Case for RIPE PI vs. PA IPv4 Addresses
Spamhaus DROP lists are essential tools in the fight against IP hijacking. These lists consist of IP addresses exploited by organizations for malicious purposes, such as distributing malware, controlling botnets, or executing other forms of cybercrime. The service enables IPv4 address owners to report their hijacked IPs, effectively preventing these bad actors from announcing their presence in BGP.
Provided free of charge by the Spamhaus Project, the Don’t Route or Peer Protection List is designed to enhance internet security. As part of the Spamhaus Blocklist (SBL), DROP lists safeguard all internet protocols, including web traffic. Tailored for Tier-1 and backbone providers, these lists filter out malicious traffic through advanced firewalls and routing equipment.
Thorough investigations and forensic analyses confirm control by cybercrime groups or “bulletproof” hosting providers before IP address subnets are added to the DROP lists. With the depletion of IPv4 addresses, assignments have become increasingly dynamic, often overseen by trusted facilitators like Brander Group. Cybercriminals frequently alter ASNs and corporate identities to evade detection, necessitating daily updates to DROP lists to monitor these evasive IP hijacking tactics.
The Independence of PI Addresses
A significant advantage of PI addresses is that they allow end users to maintain their IP address allocations independently from their internet service providers. This independence is particularly important for organizations that frequently switch providers or require a stable IP address range that is not linked to a specific LIR’s allocation.
RIPE NCC Halts Assignment of New IPv4 PI Addresses
The scarcity of PI addresses is particularly pronounced with IPv4, as RIPE NCC has halted the assignment of new IPv4 PI addresses due to address space exhaustion. This limited supply increases the value of existing IPv4 PI addresses, which offer flexibility and autonomy that PA addresses lack. Organizations holding PI addresses can avoid the complexities and costs associated with changing IPs when switching providers.
For end users, acquiring PI addresses without needing to become an LIR presents a substantial advantage. Becoming an LIR involves a €1,000 Euro setup fee, along with an €1,550 Euro annual membership fee, which may not be feasible for all organizations. By securing PI addresses, users can enjoy the benefits of a stable, provider-independent IP address range without the financial burdens and responsibilities associated with managing an LIR.
Comparing RIPE PA and PI Addresses
Provider Aggregatable (PA) Addresses
- Allocated by Local Internet Registries (LIRs)
- Designed for efficient aggregation
- Streamline routing processes for enhanced efficiency
Provider Independent (PI) Addresses
- Assigned by regional Internet Registries (RIRs)
- Allow for independent IP address management
- Provide increased flexibility, though they are increasingly rare
In Summary: RIPE PA vs. PI Addresses
The key distinction between PA and PI addresses lies in their aggregation capabilities and independence. PI addresses, particularly within the IPv4 framework, are scarce yet highly valuable, enabling end users to retain their IP addresses independently from their service providers. This independence offers a strategic advantage as the internet landscape continues to evolve. Understanding these distinctions is critical for making informed decisions in the ever-changing tech environment.
