Getting IPv4 space can be hard for businesses in the RIPE NCC area, especially if they don’t want to become a Local Internet Registry (LIR). RIPE IPv4 Provider Independent (PI) subnets are another option. They let businesses protect their own IPv4 subnet without having to pay for and deal with the hassle of being a member of an LIR.
As IPv4 becomes harder to find, PI subnets are becoming more and more appealing. But not all ways to get IPv4 are the same. PI space gives you long-term control and stability, but buying cheap IPv4 addresses can put your reputation and technical skills at risk.
What Is an IPv4 PI Subnet?
A RIPE IPv4 PI (Provider Independent) subnet is a block of IP addresses that is given directly to an end organization instead of through an ISP. PI subnets are not linked to a specific upstream provider, unlike Provider Aggregatable (PA) space.
This independence lets businesses switch ISPs without having to renumber their networks. PI space is great for businesses that need routing flexibility, redundancy, and long-term stability.
Who Should Think About IPv4 PI Space?
People often use RIPE IPv4 PI subnets for:
- Companies that have networks with more than one home
- Companies that change ISPs a lot
- Data centers and companies that host websites
- Companies that want to keep IPv4 control for a long time
PI space gives you more freedom to do things than PA space does in these situations.
How to Get a RIPE IPv4 PI Subnet Without Being an LIR
One of the best things about RIPE IPv4 PI subnets is that you don’t have to become an LIR to get them. Instead, companies work with a sponsoring LIR that sends the request to RIPE NCC and takes care of it for them.
The process usually has:
- Making a case for the need for IPv4 PI space
- Working with a sponsoring LIR
- Setting a minimum PI size, which is usually /24
- Putting down information about routing and ownership
This method cuts down on a lot of administrative work while still giving you direct control over the address space.
Advantages of RIPE IPv4 PI Subnets for Operations
IPv4 PI space has a number of benefits over traditional PA allocations:
- Not relying on just one ISP
- Provider changes are easier without having to renumber
- More routing options
- Long-term stability for important services
For businesses that want to build infrastructure that will last for a long time, these benefits often outweigh the extra work that comes with working with a sponsoring LIR.
Why IPv4 PI Space Is Not the Same as Buying Things on the Market
PI subnets are set aside for end-user use and are tightly controlled by RIPE NCC policies. This is different from IPv4 blocks that are bought and sold on the open transfer market. This structure makes it less likely that people will be confused about who owns what and whether routing is legal.
But this doesn’t mean that careful planning isn’t still necessary, especially when comparing PI allocations to cheaper ways to buy IPv4.
The Dangers of Getting Cheap IPv4 Addresses
Cheap IPv4 addresses may seem like a quick fix for shortages, but they often come with hidden risks that PI space helps you avoid.
Some common problems are:
- History of abuse or being on a blacklist
- Routing prefixes that are broken up
- Records in the registry that are missing or out of date
- ISPs and cloud providers are looking at things more closely
These issues can cause operations to stop and make any short-term savings from buying cheap IPv4 useless.
How IPv4Hub Helps You Safely Choose IPv4 Options
IPv4Hub is a professional IPv4 marketplace that helps businesses responsibly look into buying, leasing, and planning IPv4. The platform makes sure that transfers follow the rules set by the Regional Internet Registry and connects verified buyers and sellers. IPv4Hub stresses ownership verification, reputation awareness, and structured acquisition models. ipv4hub.net helps organizations make stable and legal IPv4 deployment decisions by helping them avoid poorly vetted IPv4 space. It also offers options like RIPE PI subnets.
A Strategic Comparison of PI Subnets and Cheap IPv4
Cheap IPv4 blocks often put price over quality, but RIPE IPv4 PI subnets are made to be stable and follow the rules. Companies that buy PI space get routing that is easy to predict and a clear registry. On the other hand, buying cheap IPv4 space often means having to clean up, delist, or re-route.
When looked at over time, PI subnets often provide more operational value, even though they require more coordination up front.
Making the Right IPv4 Choice in the RIPE Area
RIPE IPv4 PI subnets are a real, organized way to protect your own IPv4 space without becoming an LIR. They give many businesses the independence, stability, and long-term usefulness they need.
Cheap IPv4 addresses may seem like a good deal, but they often come with technical and reputational risks that are worse than the short-term savings. Companies that find a balance between PI allocations and responsible IPv4 sourcing strategies are better prepared for network operations that are reliable and ready for the future.