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Should You Buy or Lease IPv4 Addresses?
Network managers, juggling growth plans and technological puzzles, often hit a crossroads: should they buy IPv4 addresses outright or lease them? It’s a decision that can shape the future of their infrastructure and budget.
IPv4 addresses, limited by their 32-bit design to about 4.3 billion unique slots, have become a hot commodity. The explosion of connected devices quickly drained the free pool, pushing companies to seek options on the secondary market. Meanwhile, IPv6, with its practically infinite address space, waits in the wings. But the catch? It doesn’t talk backward to IPv4, making the switch slow and steady rather than a quick leap.
For businesses that aren’t ready to go full IPv6 yet, the choice boils down to buying or leasing IPv4 blocks. Prices have dipped to their lowest in three years, with small address blocks selling for around $33 each - quite the tempting deal for ownership. Leasing, on the other hand, remains steady, ranging from $0.35 to $0.45 per address each month, depending on how many addresses and for how long you lease.
Pricing Trends from Providers
Cloud providers and ISPs have joined the party with fees for IPv4 addresses, whether you use them or not. When buying prices fall beneath these fees, businesses needing a hundred or more addresses often lean toward purchasing their own blocks outright.
Yet, there’s a clever middle ground. Thanks to InterLIR’s 'bring your own IP' program, leasing addresses at about $4.00 per year lets companies maintain flexibility without a big upfront cost. It’s like renting a place with the option to buy later - useful and cost-effective.
Third Party Internet Access (TPIA) via Cable Networks
According to policy NRPM 4.2.3.8, IP addresses handed over by an ISP to an incumbent cable operator for Third Party Internet Access (TPIA) count as fully consumed once they get assigned to hardware managed by the cable provider behind the scenes. But not just any assignment will do - these IPs have to meet some pretty specific criteria to earn that status.
First off, the initial batch of IP addresses assigned to each piece of equipment has to be the absolutely smallest number needed to cover the customer base served by that gear. No hoarding here - just enough to get the job done efficiently.
Then, if more IPs are needed for the same equipment down the road, those additional addresses can only be dolled out once the earlier allocation is at least 80% utilized and represents a healthy two years’ supply. This ensures smart use and avoids wasteful over-allocation.
Also, the IP blocks allocated under section 4.2.3.8 come with a bit of a lock-in period. They can’t be transferred elsewhere under sections 8.3 and 8.4 for three full years. If a transfer happens under section 8.2, the IPs must continue to serve the same purpose or have a clear, needs-based reason for their new use, matching the intended consumption rate.
Buying IP Addresses with Confidence
When it comes to acquiring IP addresses, InterLIR stands out by offering a wealth of resources tailored to your needs. Whether you're expanding your network or securing a new range, we ensure the process is smooth and hassle-free.
With InterLIR, you don’t just get addresses - you get peace of mind. Our transactions are handled transparently and securely, so you can focus on what matters most: your business growth.
Need help after the sale? Our dedicated support team is available around the clock, ready to assist with any questions or issues. Consider us your reliable partners in IP brokerage, always just a call or click away.
- Vast selection of IP address blocks ready for purchase
- Secure and straightforward transaction process
- 24/7 customer support to guide you whenever needed
InterLIR’s commitment is to make IP address acquisition as easy as possible. No complicated jargon, no hidden fees - just clear communication and expert assistance every step of the way.
Get in Touch with InterLIR
Ready to dive into the world of intellectual property with InterLIR? Just fill out the form below, and one of our savvy IP specialists will reach out to you before the workday wraps up. No waiting around, no mysterious delays - we believe in quick connections and clear communication.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Buying vs Leasing IPv4 Addresses
Choosing between buying and leasing IPv4 addresses isn’t as straightforward as flipping a coin. Organizations need to take a close look at their current IP needs, think ahead to future growth, and crunch the numbers to see what fits their budget best. Control is another big factor - owning your IPs means full authority, while leasing might mean a little less freedom but more flexibility. And don’t forget about IPv6 - the clock is ticking, so knowing when you plan to switch can make a big difference in your strategy.
At InterLIR, we often see companies caught in this balancing act. Buying IPv4 addresses offers stability and long-term control, perfect for those who want to lock down their resources and avoid surprises later. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a nimble solution for businesses that want to stay light on their feet and aren’t ready to commit fully. Both roads have bumps - budget constraints, address scarcity, and evolving tech trends all play a role.
Ultimately, the smart move is to base your decision on solid insight into your organization’s unique needs and industry shifts. Making the right choice today means your network won’t just keep up but stay ahead - connected, competitive, and ready for whatever the future of digital infrastructure throws at you.
When to Buy IPv4 Addresses
Buying IPv4 addresses is more than just a transaction - it’s an investment in your network’s future. Once InterLIR secures these addresses, they become a permanent part of your organization's digital assets, ensuring stability and seamless continuity in your network strategy. For companies anticipating steady or predictable growth, owning IPv4 space offers unmatched peace of mind, avoiding the uncertainty of fluctuating availability.
Ownership means total control. InterLIR clients can configure, allocate, and manage their IPv4 addresses exactly the way they need to, without being tied down by the fine print of leasing agreements. This flexibility is a lifesaver for businesses wrestling with complex or ever-changing networking demands, allowing you to adapt on your terms without unnecessary headaches.
Let’s talk money and timing. IPv4 addresses are currently priced pretty reasonably, but the clock is ticking. Their scarcity guarantees that prices will rise eventually, turning your purchase into a savvy investment. Buying now through InterLIR also spares you the headache of scrambling to renew leases at higher market rates later, not to mention the nightmare of renumbering your entire network - and potentially confusing or losing customers in the process.
Plus, purchasing means cutting out the ongoing lease fees, which can pile up and burn a hole in your budget over time. If you know your IP needs won’t suddenly vanish, buying IPv4 addresses through InterLIR isn’t just economical - it’s smart financial planning that pays off in reliability and savings.
