2026-02-18 13:00:00
BYOIP in 2026: The Complete Guide to Using Your Own IPv4 Addresses Across AWS, Google Cloud, and Beyond
Bring Your Own IP (BYOIP) has evolved from a niche networking feature into a core clo....
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A Regional Internet Registry (RIR) is a non-profit organization responsible for the allocation and management of Internet number resources — including IPv4, IPv6, and ASN — within a specific geographic region. There are five RIRs worldwide: ARIN (North America), RIPE NCC (Europe, Middle East, Central Asia), APNIC (Asia-Pacific), LACNIC (Latin America), and AFRINIC (Africa). Prefixx is a registered broker with ARIN, RIPE NCC, and APNIC.
The total IPv4 address space is limited to roughly 4.3 billion addresses. With global internet growth, the free pools managed by Regional Internet Registries have been depleted — ARIN exhausted its supply in 2015 and RIPE NCC in 2019. Today, the only way to obtain IPv4 addresses is through the secondary market via transfers or leasing from existing holders.
IPv4 pricing is driven by supply and demand. Key factors include block size (larger contiguous blocks command a premium), the reputation and cleanliness of the IP space, the RIR region the block is registered in, and current market conditions. Pricing can vary from one transaction to the next, which is why working with a broker that understands the market is important.
The process typically involves three steps: first, we help you establish or verify your account with the relevant RIR (such as an ORG-ID with ARIN). Second, if required, we assist you with the pre-approval process. Third, Prefixx sources a block that matches your requirements, facilitates the purchase agreement, and manages the transfer. Contact us to get started with a free consultation.
It depends on the RIR. ARIN requires buyers to demonstrate a justified need for the address space and obtain pre-approval before a transfer can be initiated. RIPE NCC and APNIC have different policies — RIPE does not require needs-based justification for transfers, while APNIC has its own approval criteria. Prefixx will guide you through the specific requirements for your region. See our detailed guides for ARIN, RIPE, and APNIC.
Available block sizes on the secondary market typically range from a /24 (256 addresses) to a /16 (65,536 addresses) or larger. The most commonly traded sizes are /24, /22, /21, /20, and /16. Prefixx maintains a continuously updated inventory and can help you find contiguous blocks that meet your specific needs.
Transfer timelines vary by region. RIPE NCC intra-regional transfers can complete in as little as 1-2 weeks. ARIN transfers typically take 2-4 weeks depending on the complexity of the transaction and approval process. APNIC transfers usually fall within a similar range. Inter-RIR transfers (between different registries) can take 4-6 weeks. Being well-prepared with your documentation significantly speeds up the process.
No. Prefixx does not charge buyers any commission or brokerage fees. As a buyer, you are only responsible for the purchase price of the IPv4 block and any applicable escrow fees. Some RIRs may charge annual membership or maintenance fees — for example, ARIN requires new members to sign a Registration Services Agreement (RSA) and pay an annual fee.
If you have unused or underutilized IPv4 address space, Prefixx can help you find qualified buyers. We start by evaluating your block — reviewing its size, registration history, reputation, and any blacklist status. We then connect you with vetted buyers, facilitate the agreement, and manage the entire transfer process. Learn more about selling IPv4.
Prefixx charges sellers a commission of 3-8% on completed transactions. The exact percentage depends on the block size and the specific terms of the agreement. There are no upfront costs — you only pay when the deal closes and funds are released.
Yes, in many cases you can sell a portion of your allocation. This process is known as "de-aggregation" or splitting a block. The minimum transferable block size is typically a /24 (256 addresses). However, the ability to split depends on your RIR's policies and the structure of your current allocation. Prefixx can advise you on the best approach to maximize value.
IPv4 leasing allows you to use IPv4 address space on a rental basis without purchasing it outright. Prefixx manages the relationship between the lessor and lessee, handles routing authorization (LOA), RPKI, and reverse DNS setup. Leasing agreements typically range from 6 to 24 months, though short-term month-to-month rentals are also available. You pay a single monthly fee with no hidden costs.
It depends on your situation. Buying makes sense if you need addresses long-term and want to build equity in a depreciating asset. Leasing is ideal for temporary projects, companies looking to conserve capital, or organizations testing new markets before committing to a purchase. Many of our clients start with a lease and later transition to ownership. Explore our leasing options.
Short-term rental blocks can be provisioned within 24 hours, complete with LOA, RPKI, and reverse DNS support. Longer-term leases that require a more extensive verification process typically take a few business days to set up.
Absolutely. If you have IPv4 address space that is sitting idle, leasing it out is an excellent way to generate recurring revenue. RIR policies generally permit the leasing of allocated address space. Prefixx handles everything — from finding qualified lessees to managing routing authorization, abuse monitoring, and payment collection.
Once both parties agree on terms, Prefixx manages the full transfer lifecycle. Funds are secured in an escrow account, the necessary paperwork is filed with the relevant RIR, and both buyer and seller complete their respective registry requirements. Once the RIR approves the transfer and updates the registration, funds are released to the seller. Prefixx coordinates every step to ensure a smooth and compliant process.
Prefixx is a registered and approved broker with ARIN (North America), RIPE NCC (Europe, Middle East, Central Asia), and APNIC (Asia-Pacific). We also facilitate inter-RIR transfers between these regions, as well as transfers involving LACNIC and AFRINIC resources where applicable.
For buying and selling transactions, Prefixx supports bank wire transfers processed through a secure escrow account. For leasing, we also accept credit card and PayPal payments through our online payment platform.
All purchase funds are held in a third-party escrow account administered by Prefixx's principal notary. The buyer's payment is secured before the transfer begins, and funds are only released to the seller after the RIR has confirmed the successful transfer of the IPv4 addresses. This protects both parties throughout the process.
Tixx by Prefixx is our quality control checklist that every IPv4 block must pass before we present it to a buyer. It includes verification of ownership, registration history, blacklist screening, abuse history checks, and routing analysis. This ensures that every block we offer meets our standard of excellence. Learn more about Tixx by Prefixx.
Our White-Glove Service goes beyond the transaction itself. We offer geolocation correction, abuse complaint processing, reverse DNS management, blacklist monitoring, and RPKI setup. These services are available to both buyers and lessees, helping you maintain a clean and well-managed IP address space. Explore our White-Glove Services.
Simply fill out our contact form or give us a call. We will be happy to schedule an introductory call to understand your requirements and walk you through the best options for your specific situation — whether that is buying, selling, or leasing IPv4 address space.
We're not just brokers — we're hands-on IPv4 specialists with a team that's been in the data center and networking industry since 2007. Our boutique approach means you work directly with senior consultants who understand the technical, legal, and financial complexities of every transaction.
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