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What's the difference between an assigned and allocated IP range? I'm parsing RIR Statistics Exchange files (e.g. see http://www.apnic.net/publications/media-library/documents/resource-guidelines/rir-statistics-exchange-format) and they define "assigned" and "allocated" IP address blocks.

Are assigned blocks being actively used, and allocated are not used by reserved? In other words, no machine in the world will use an allocated IP address until it becomes and assigned IP address? That is to say, an allocated IP address is reserved for use but is not in use?

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That's basically correct. An allocated address belongs to a pool from which it may be assigned but it hasn't yet been marked as in use. Pools are managed by various organizations like ISPs, Webhosting services, and Universities.

Keep in mind that the files you're parsing are going to be outdated the moment they're published, and that any given address may have been assigned for quite a while before it gets reported back.

Edit: It looks like the comment is correct. IP Addresses marked as assigned are managed by a sub-organization, but they may or may not actually be in use. Ranges marked as allocated should not be in use, except for where there is a lag in updating these reports. Keep in mind this comment about that data:

In particular, it should be noted that these reports seek to indicate where resources were first allocated or assigned. It is not intended that these reports be considered as an authoritative statement of the location in which any specific resource may currently be in use.

http://ftp.apnic.net/stats/apnic/

Paul McMillan
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    He's looking at APNIC data, so it's not assigned to machines, it's assigned to an IP Range Owner (ISP or other large customer). Even assigned addressed might not be used at all. – Chris S Oct 15 '10 at 20:48
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I had the same question and wasn't satisfied by the above answer, I found the following definition from RIPE (RIR)

2.5. Allocate

To “allocate” means to distribute address space to IRs(Internet Registries) for the purpose of subsequent distribution by them.

2.6. Assign

To “assign” means to delegate address space to an ISP or End User for specific use within the Internet infrastructure they operate. Assignments must only be made for specific purposes documented by specific organisations and are not to be sub-assigned to other parties.

https://www.ripe.net/publications/docs/ripe-552#definitions

Filippo Vitale
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mike
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