Dear SIG members

A new version of the proposal "prop-124: Clarification on IPv6 
Sub-Assignments"
has been sent to the Policy SIG for review.

Information about earlier versions is available from:

https://www.apnic.net/community/policy/proposals/prop-124

You are encouraged to express your views on the proposal:

  - Do you support or oppose the proposal?
  - Is there anything in the proposal that is not clear?
  - What changes could be made to this proposal to make it more effective?

Please find the text of the proposal below.

Kind Regards,

Sumon, Bertrand, Ching-Heng
APNIC Policy SIG Chairs



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prop-124-v003: Clarification on IPv6 Sub-Assignments

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Proposer: Jordi Palet Martínez
           jordi.palet@theipv6company.com


1. Problem Statement
--------------------

When the policy was drafted, the concept of assignments/sub-assignments
did not consider a practice very common in IPv4 which is replicated and
even amplified in IPv6: the use of IP addresses for point-to-point links
or VPNs.

In the case of IPv6, instead of unique addresses, the use of unique
prefixes (/64) is increasingly common.

Likewise, the policy failed to consider the use of IP addresses in 
hotspots,
or the use of IP addresses by guests or employees in Bring Your Own Device
(BYOD) and many other similar cases.

Finally, the IETF has recently approved the use of a unique /64 prefix per
interface/host (RFC8273) instead of a unique address. This, for example,
allows users to connect to a hotspot, receive a /64 such that they are
“isolated” from other users (for reasons of security, regulatory
requirements, etc.) and they can also use multiple virtual machines
on their devices with a unique address for each one (within the same /64).



2. Objective of policy change
-----------------------------

Section 2.2.3. (Definitions/Assigned Address Space), explicitly prohibits
such assignments, stating that “Assigned ... may not be sub-assigned”.

https://www.apnic.net/community/policy/resources#2.2.3.-Assigned-address-space

This proposal clarifies this situation in this regard and better define the
concept, particularly considering new uses of IPv6 (RFC 8273), by means of
a new paragraph.


3. Situation in other regions
-----------------------------

This situation, has already been corrected in RIPE, and the policy was 
updated
in a similar way, even if right now there is a small discrepancy between 
the
policy text that reached consensus and the RIPE NCC Impact Analysis. A new
policy proposal has been submitted to amend that, and the text is the same
as presented by this proposal at APNIC. Same text has also been submitted
to AfriNIC, LACNIC and ARIN.


4. Proposed policy solution
---------------------------

Add a new paragraph after the existing one in 2.2.3
https://www.apnic.net/community/policy/resources#2.2.3.-Assigned-address-space

Actual text:
2.2.3. Assigned address space
Assigned address space is address space that is delegated to an LIR, or 
end-user,
for specific use within the Internet infrastructure they operate. 
Assignments must
only be made for specific, documented purposes and may not be sub-assigned.

New text:
2.2.3. Assigned address space
Assigned address space is address space that is delegated to an LIR, or 
end-user,
for specific use within the Internet infrastructure they operate. 
Assignments must
only be made for specific, documented purposes and may not be sub-assigned.

The fact that a unique address or even a unique /64 prefix is 
non-permanently
provided to third parties, on a link operated by the original receiver 
of the
assignment, shall not be considered a sub-assignment. This includes, for 
example,
guests or employees (devices or servers), hotspots, and point-to-point 
links or
VPNs.

The provision of addressing for permanent connectivity or broadband 
services is
still considered a sub-assignment. Only the addressing of the 
point-to-point
link itself can be permanent.




5. Advantages / Disadvantages
-----------------------------

Advantages:
Fulfilling the objective above indicated and making sure to match the 
real situation
in the market.


Disadvantages:
None foreseen.


6. Impact on resource holders
-----------------------------

None

7. References
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