BYOIP Explained: Bring Your Own IP to AWS, GCP, and Azure
BYOIP (Bring Your Own IP) lets you use your own IPv4 block with AWS, GCP, and Azure. That changes the economics of cloud IPv4: you bring addresses you own and can avoid or reduce per-address fees. This post explains what BYOIP is, how it works on each provider, what you need, and why buying for BYOIP can make sense.
What BYOIP Is
BYOIP means you bring your own IPv4 block to a cloud provider. Instead of using provider-assigned public IPv4 addresses (and paying per address), you use a block you own or have rights to. AWS, GCP, and Azure each support it with their own implementation.
Ownership or rights. You need a block you own (after an RIR transfer) or have exclusive use rights to (e.g. under a lease). Buying gives you ownership and full control; the RIR record shows you as holder. That satisfies BYOIP ownership requirements for AWS, GCP, and Azure.
Why it matters. Cloud providers charge for public IPv4. When you buy and use BYOIP, you can reduce or eliminate per-address fees. You also keep the block if you move workloads or change providers. Our how to buy IPv4 guide walks through the process.
How BYOIP Works on AWS, GCP, and Azure
AWS. You prove ownership or rights to a block, advertise it via BGP, and complete AWS validation. Block size must meet AWS requirements (e.g. /24 or larger). Once approved, you can use the block with EC2 and other services. That reduces or avoids per-address cloud fees for that block.
GCP. Google Cloud has a similar concept. You bring your own block and use it with GCP resources. Requirements include block size, proof of ownership or rights, and BGP. Buying and completing the RIR transfer satisfies ownership.
Azure. Azure supports bringing your own IPv4 in supported scenarios. Requirements and steps differ from AWS and GCP; check Azure documentation for current details. The principle is the same: you need a block you own or have rights to.
So BYOIP on all three requires a block you control. Buying is the path to ownership; our buy IPv4 guide covers the steps.
Requirements and Prerequisites
Block size. AWS, GCP, and Azure typically require at least a /24 (256 addresses). Some regions or use cases may allow or require larger blocks. Check each provider for current requirements.
Proof of ownership or rights. You must show the RIR record (ARIN, RIPE, APNIC, etc.) or equivalent proof that you own the block or have exclusive use rights. Buying and completing the RIR transfer gives you ownership; the RIR record is the proof.
BGP and advertisement. You must advertise the block via BGP and complete provider validation. BYOIP relies on you (or your network) announcing the block so the provider can verify control.
LIR and RIR. If you’re not an LIR, you may need to work with an LIR to hold or transfer the block. Buying through a marketplace or broker often includes LIR facilitation. Our how to buy IPv4 guide covers finding a block, due diligence, LOA, agreement, and RIR transfer.
Why Buying for BYOIP Makes Sense
Reduce cloud fees. Per-address fees on AWS, GCP, and Azure can add up. Buying and using BYOIP can reduce or eliminate those fees for the block you bring. Over 2–5 years, buying often pays off vs paying cloud charges.
Ownership and portability. When you buy, you own the block. You can use it with any provider that supports BYOIP, move it if you change clouds, or sell or lease it later. BYOIP with owned IPv4 gives you control.
Long-term cost. Buying has an upfront cost but no ongoing per-address cloud fee for that block. For long-term use, buying for BYOIP often makes financial sense. Get quotes from a marketplace or broker and compare to your projected cloud spend.
So BYOIP with AWS, GCP, or Azure is a reason to consider buying. Our how to buy IPv4 guide walks through the full process from finding a block to completing the RIR transfer.