# RIR Terminology # Provider Independent [PI] Provider Independent address space, with contrast to Provider Allocated IP space is directly assigned to an end user, like yourself or your org, vs your LIR! the advantages of this are that you have less conditions attached to the use of your IP address space than you would with PA, and that it's portable, meaning you can move it between LIRs without issue or hassle, PA address space cannot be moved between LIRs. Downsides, however are that PI address space costs significantly more to get, And with v6 you can often get PA for free, so it's important to weigh this into your decision-making when deciding between the two. Do note getting new IPv4 PI space is not possible due to the exhaustion of IPv4 address space. # Provider Allocated [PA] Provider allocated \[PA\] Space is space that is allocated to you from your LIR or providers stock of IP addresses, so the chain follows the pattern of RIPE NCC --> LIR --> you. Vs PI (Provider independent) space that goes RIPE NCC --> you. PA space can have conditions of use attached by the LIR, like you aren't allowed to use the space for email, or no TOR etc. The other downside to PA is that you can't take it with you if you decide to change LIRs, or your LIR dissolves or disbands, you lose the IPspace, however PA is generally cheaper, and with v6, it's often free from some providers. # Difference between PA and PI This page will outline the differences between PA (Provider Allocated) and PI (Provider Independent) See a more detailed description of each below! [Provider Independent](https://learn.beako.net/books/rir-terminology/page/provider-independent-pi) [Provider Allocated](https://learn.beako.net/books/rir-terminology/page/provider-allocated-pa)
Provider Allocated | Provider Independent | |
Can be moved between LIRs | No | Yes |
Cost | Cheaper (or free) | More expensive |
Reassignment | Can be further reassigned to lower users | Restricted to the original assigned org/user |
Issuing time | Often instant/within 1 day | Up to 1 week for RIPE to process |
Restrictions | [LIRs](https://learn.beako.net/books/bgp-terminology/page/lir "LIR") can put extra restrictions on usage | Only legal restrictions of your country |