[sig-policy] prop-066 bis - Ensuring efficient use of historical IPv4 resources

[Randy Bush <randy@psg.com>]

Dear SIG members

Version 2 of the proposal 'Ensuring efficient use of historical IPv4
resources' has been sent to the Policy SIG for review. It will be
presented at the Policy SIG at APNIC 26 in Christchurch, New Zealand,
25-29 August 2008.

The proposal's history can be found at:

      http://www.apnic.net/policy/proposals/prop-066-v002.html

This new version of the proposal contains an updated section 3,
"Situation in other RIRs".

We invite you to review and comment on the proposal on the mailing list
before the meeting.

The comment period on the mailing list before an APNIC meeting is an
important part of the policy development process. We encourage you to
express your views on the proposal:

      - Do you support or oppose this proposal?

      - Does this proposal solve a problem you are experiencing? If so,
        tell the community about your situation.

      - Do you see any disadvantages in this proposal?

      - Is there anything in the proposal that is not clear?

      - What changes could be made to this proposal to make it more
        effective?

randy and jian

________________________________________________________________________

prop-066-v002: Ensuring efficient use of historical IPv4 resources
________________________________________________________________________


Authors:   Brenda D. Tarimel
            btarimel@palaunet.com

            Philip Smith
            pfs@cisco.com

            James Spenceley
            james@vocus.com.au

Version:   2

Date:      28 July 2008


1.  Introduction
----------------

This is a proposal to include all historical address allocations when
assessing a network's eligibility for more IPv4 addresses.


2.  Summary of current problem
------------------------------

The unallocated pool of IPv4 addresses is predicted to run out within
the next few years.  As the unallocated pool dwindles, it is important
to ensure that the remaining IPv4 addresses are allocated responsibly
and fairly.

Currently, when LIRs apply for new IPv4 allocations from APNIC, they
only have to include the past allocations they have received from
APNIC as part of the documentation and justification process.  They do
not have to declare any historical addresses [1] they may have
received prior to receiving address space from APNIC.

As a result of this, there is a large amount of historical IPv4
address space where little or nothing is known about its use.

At the moment LIRs can receive more scarce IPv4 address space from APNIC
while at the same time hoarding unused historical address space.  This
uses up the remaining IPv4 pool more rapidly than is really necessary.


3.  Situation in other RIRs
---------------------------

The situation in other RIRs is as follows:

AfriNIC and the RIPE NCC only ask for utilisation of previous
allocations and assignments made by AfriNIC and the RIPE NCC
respectively.  They do not require legacy holdings to be declared.

ARIN and LACNIC always ask for utilisation for all previous
allocations and assignments, including all legacy holdings.

This proposal has not been submitted to any other region.


4.  Details of the proposal
---------------------------

This is a proposal to modify the criteria for receiving IPv4 address
space so that both historical addresses and previous allocations are
included.

     - This proposal applies to all historical IPv4 resources
       registered in the APNIC Whois Database.

     - Historical IPv4 resources that are not managed under the
       existing historical maintenance or transfer policies will remain
       free of fees.


5.  Advantages and disadvantages of the proposal
------------------------------------------------

5.1 Advantages

     - Ensures that organisations are using scarce IPv4 address space
       resources to the fullest extent possible.

     - The utilisation of historical IPv4 addresses will be brought
       into line with current best practices for address management.

     - The remaining IPv4 free pool will be delegated to LIRs that have
       a genuine need for IP addresses.


5.2 Disadvantages

     - Organisations can no longer hoard unused address space while at
       the same time receive more scarce address space from APNIC's
       pool.

     - LIRs with historical IPv4 addresses may find it time consuming
       to change network architecture that uses historical IPv4
       addresses in an inefficient manner.

       However, the difficulties felt by these networks is outweighed
       by the greater benefits of ensuring that the remaining IPv4
       address space is delegated to networks with a genuine need for
       IPv4 allocations.


6.  Effect on APNIC members
---------------------------

APNIC members who have applied best practices for address space
management for all their address ranges will not be affected.

APNIC members who have not applied best practices for all their
address ranges may need to modify their management of historical
addresses before they can qualify for IPv4 addresses from APNIC.

There will be no impact on fees paid by members.


7.  Effect on NIRs
------------------

The proposal has no direct impact on NIRS, but impacts members of NIRs
in the same way it impacts APNIC members.


8.   References
---------------

[1]  Historical resources definition
      http://www.apnic.net/policy/historical-resource-policies.html#2.2

randy & jian