Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA)

Definition - What does Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) mean?

The Internet Assigned Number Authority (IANA) is responsible for Internet protocol (IP) and coordinates global IP addressing, symbols, numbering, media-type and DNS root zone management.

Based at the University of Southern California (USC), IANA manages a centralized IP database and uses global DNS oversight to assign unique IP addresses to private or public organizations. IANA receives annual subscription fees for these services.

Techopedia explains Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA)

IANA is responsible for:

  • Coordinating and providing upper-level domains (e.g., .org and .com) and country codes (e.g., .ca, .pk and .au), which facilitate IP network communication and routing processes
  • Providing numeric codes, which are further assigned to certain data types
  • Providing Internet protocol version 6 (IPv6) and Internet protocol version 4 (IPv4)

IANA is also responsible for providing all specific codes, functions and protocols, including:

  • Services (e.g., routing)
  • E-mail protocols (e.g., POP3 and SMTP)
  • Special broadcasting and private addressing IP classes
  • Port numbering
  • Other common Ethernet network protocols

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