The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) coordinates globally unique identifiers that enable the Internet to function consistently. Its work is provided by Public Technical Identifiers, an affiliate of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). IANA’s responsibilities span three main areas: domain names, number resources, and protocol parameters.

For domain names, IANA manages the DNS root zone, including assignments for country-code and generic top-level domains, and administers the .int and .arpa zones. It also maintains the Top Level Domains database and the Internationalized Domain Name Practices Repository. For number resources, IANA coordinates the global pools of IP addresses and autonomous system numbers, including allocations to Regional Internet Registries, and provides network abuse information. Its protocol services maintain central registries of names and numbers used by Internet protocols, with a process for applying for assignments. IANA also provides access to the Time Zone Database. The organization publishes news and performance information and offers resources about its work, along with contact details, an archive, and policies governing privacy and terms of service.