How to Purchase an IP Address in India: A Comprehensive Guide

IP addresses are moreover significant in today’s world where most online facilities are run on website hosting to different internet operations. This article will help you to understand how to buy an IP address in India and provide you with the details on the IPv4 market in India. 

In the case where an individual is interested in acquiring an AS number for a business he or she runs, or currently works with a company or an organization that deals with acquisitions or requires protection of personal/individual IP address, this information will be particularly useful 

1. Understanding IP Addresses:

Let's simplify things a bit. An IP addre­ss is a unique number given to e­very device on a compute­r network. It's like its name tag or ID. Why might you ne­ed this? There are­ two types: IPv4 and IPv6. Which one is more popular? IPv4. Why, you ask? Be­cause there are­n't many left, everyone­ wants them!

2. Why Purchase an IP Address?

There are several reasons why you might want to purchase an IP address:

- Hosting websites or servers

- Implementing email services

- Ensuring a static, reliable connection for business operations

- Enhancing security and control over your online presence

3. IP Address Allocation in India:

In India, three­ main bodies distribute IP addresse­s. 

Firstly, APNIC (Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre), which is the­ internet registry for the­ whole Asia-Pacific area. 

Secondly, NIXI (National Inte­rnet Exchange of India) handles the­ .IN ccTLD and online exchange points in India. Lastly, ISPs (Inte­rnet Service Provide­rs) can offer IP addresses to the­ir users.

4. Steps to Purchase an IP Address in India:

Step 1: Determine Your Needs

Assess how many IP addresses you require and for what purpose. This will help you choose between IPv4 and IPv6, and decide whether to purchase from a broker or lease from an ISP.

Step 2: Between Buying & Leasing

- Buying: Provides long-term ownership but requires a larger upfront investment.

- Leasing: More affordable in the short term but doesn't offer ownership.

Step 3: Find a Reputable IP Address Broker or ISP

Research and identify reliable IP address brokers or ISPs operating in India. Look for providers with good reputations and transparent pricing.

Step 4: Submit an Application

Prepare and submit an application to your chosen provider. This typically includes:

- Your organization's details

- Intended use of the IP addresses

- Technical justification for the number of IPs requested

Step 5: Verification and Approval

The provider will verify your information and assess your needs. This process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Step 6: Transfer and Payment

Once approved, you'll need to complete the payment process. The provider will then initiate the transfer of the IP addresses to your control.

Step 7: Registration and Documentation

Ensure all necessary documentation is completed to register the IP addresses under your organization's name with the appropriate authorities.

5. Indian IPv4 Price:

The price of IPv4 addresses in India can vary significantly based on several factors:

Factors Affecting IPv4 Prices:

- Global scarcity of IPv4 addresses

- Demand in the Indian market

- Size of the IP address block

- Current market conditions

Price Range:

As of 2024, the Indian IPv4 Price typically ranges from $20 to $50 per IP address. However, prices can fluctuate, and larger blocks may be priced differently.

- Small blocks (e.g., /24 or 256 IPs): Often priced higher per IP

- Larger blocks (e.g., /16 or 65,536 IPs): May offer a lower per-IP cost but require a substantial total investment

6. Legal Considerations:

When purchasing IP addresses in India, be aware of the following legal aspects:

- Compliance with TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) regulations

- Adherence to APNIC policies for IP address allocation and use

- Proper documentation and registration of IP addresses

7. Alternatives to Purchasing:

If purchasing an IP address is not feasible, consider these alternatives:

- Leasing IP addresses from an ISP

- Using a VPN service for a static IP

- Implementing NAT (Network Address Translation) to maximize the use of existing IPs

8. Future of IP Addresses in India:

As IPv4 addresses become scarcer, consider the following trends:

- Increasing adoption of IPv6

- Rising prices for IPv4 addresses

- Development of IP address marketplaces

9. Tips for a Successful IP Address Purchase:

- Do thorough research on current market prices

- Verify the legitimacy of the seller or broker

- Ensure proper transfer and registration processes are followed

- Consider future needs when deciding on the number of IP addresses to purchase

10. Maintenance and Management:

After acquiring your IP addresses:

- Implement proper security measures to protect your IP space

- Regularly review and optimize your IP address usage

- Stay informed about regulatory changes affecting IP address ownership

Conclusion:

Purchasing an IP address in India depends on the business need, the price of the IP address, and general trends. However, it is a rather complicated process, and if you would like to study the steps listed in the present guide, you will be able to take the organization successfully. There is also the need to always look at the market environment for the IP addresses, for instance, changes from IPV4 to IPV6 as well as changes in legislation in India.

Besides, as more and more businesses are shifting to digital economy in India there is the requirement of IP addresses and this may cause the change of prices and availability of IP addresses. If this is known it then it became easy to determine when to go for and how to secure the IP addresses that an organization require.