About Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC)
APNIC (Asia Pacific Network Information Centre) is the Regional Internet Registry (RIR) responsible for managing and distributing IP addresses and Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs) in the Asia-Pacific region. It supports the development, stability, and security of the Internet through Internet number-resource management, technical training, and policy development.
- Established: 1993
- Headquarters: Brisbane, Australia
- Region: Asia-Pacific
- Key role: Allocation and management of IPv4, IPv6 addresses and ASNs
- Members: Internet service providers, data centres, universities, governments and other network operators
- Important: APNIC is one of five RIRs worldwide.
About National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI)
NIXI (National Internet Exchange of India) is a not-for-profit organisation established in 2003 to improve India’s Internet infrastructure by facilitating domestic Internet traffic exchange and reducing dependence on international routes.
- Established: 2003
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Key role: Operates Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) for efficient domestic traffic routing.
- Other functions: Manages the .IN domain, supports IPv6 adoption, and promotes Internet accessibility in India.
- Significance: Helps reduce latency, improve Internet performance and lower routing costs for domestic traffic.
Roles and Functions of APNIC and NIXI
| Feature | APNIC | NIXI |
| Full form | Asia Pacific Network Information Centre | National Internet Exchange of India |
| Nature | Regional Internet Registry (RIR) | Indian not-for-profit Internet organisation |
| Coverage | Asia-Pacific region | India |
| Main role | Allocates IP addresses and ASNs | Facilitates domestic Internet traffic exchange |
| Other role | Internet number-resource management & technical development | Manages .IN domain and promotes IPv6 |
| Established | 1993 | 2003 |
| Headquarters | Brisbane, Australia | New Delhi, India |
Conclusion
APNIC, Asia-Pacific’s Regional Internet Registry, and NIXI, India’s National Internet Exchange and operator of IRINN, support India’s integration into the global Internet address system. Their cooperation in routing security, IPv6 adoption and APNIC 62 strengthens India’s secure and resilient digital infrastructure.
| This concept has been elaborately discussed in the following article – APNIC 62 Hosted by MeitY’s NIXI |