Sponsored ASNs
A "sponsored ASN" typically refers to an Autonomous System Number (ASN) that is allocated and managed by an organization or entity other than the ASN holder. In the context of BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) and Internet routing, an ASN is a unique identifier assigned to an autonomous system, which is a collection of IP networks and routers that operate under a single administrative domain and share routing policies.
In some cases, organizations might sponsor or manage ASNs on behalf of others. This could happen for various reasons, such as:
Assisting New Networks
Organizations or companies might sponsor ASNs for startups or smaller networks that are not familiar with the technical or administrative aspects of obtaining and managing an ASN. This could help these networks get started with their routing operations more easily.
Research and Education
Educational institutions or research organizations might sponsor ASNs for projects or experiments related to internet routing, network security, or other technical areas.
Regional Internet Registries (RIRs)
RIRs are responsible for distributing IP address space and ASNs within their respective regions. They may work with organizations to sponsor ASNs for entities that are eligible for address space but need assistance in the allocation process.
Collaborative Networks
In cases where multiple organizations collaborate on a network project or initiative, one organization might sponsor the ASN to manage administrative tasks and facilitate coordination.
Managed Services Providers
Managed service providers might offer sponsored ASNs as part of their services to clients who want to outsource the management of their network infrastructure.
Simplifying Processes
Sponsoring ASNs can simplify administrative tasks and processes related to ASN management, especially for organizations that might not have the expertise or resources to handle these tasks independently.