ICANN, based in the USA, controls the global allocation of IP address space. This body has allocated blocks of IP addresses to five Regional Internet Registries, one of which is RIPE NCC. Janet and other networks in Europe may apply to RIPE NCC for IP address space.

The Janet Registry

Janet is a Local Internet Registry and has authority from RIPE NCC to assign IP address space to its customers. These assignments are made under the classless system. Under the current guidelines, each organisation needs to demonstrate that it will use at least 25% of the address space applied for immediately and 50% in the first year. Additional address space can be obtained if the requirements of an organisation change and they can demonstrate a physical need for more addresses. There is no charge for this service.