The American Registry for Internet Numbers, or ARIN, is a nonprofit organization responsible for managing the distribution of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses in North America. Established in 1997, ARIN allocates IP addresses to Internet service providers and other organizations, ensuring that the unique numerical identifiers needed for devices to communicate over the Internet are available and properly assigned. In addition to IP address management, ARIN also provides various services, including maintaining a public database of registered IP addresses and offering educational resources about Internet governance. The organization plays a crucial role in supporting the growth and stability of the Internet infrastructure in its region.