internet registry

from The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)

Internet Registry

   (IR) The {Internet Assigned Numbers Authority} has the
   discretionary authority to delegate portions of its
   responsibility and, with respect to {network address} and
   {Autonomous System} identifiers, has lodged this
   responsibility with the {IR}.  The IR function is performed by
   the {Defense Data Network} {Network Information Center}.