[sig-policy]Re: APNIC Fees for IXP assignments - Proposal
I am forwarding the proposal below received by the APNIC Secretariat,
for the upcoming APNIC Open Policy Meeting in Korea.
Discussion and feedback on this list prior to Korea, is invited.
regards,
Anne
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A modified policy for Internet Exchange Point (IXP) assignments
Proposed by: Bill Woodcock, PCH
Version: 1.2
Date: 25 July 2003
1. Summary
A revised policy for Internet Exchange Point (IXP) assignments is
proposed which replaces the existing policy described in
"Policies for Managing Internet Resources in the Asia Pacific"
sections 4.2 and 11.2.
2. Background and Problem
The current definition of an Internet Exchange Point taken from
section 4.2 above is:
"An Internet Exchange Point (IXP) is a physical network
infrastructure operated to facilitate the exchange of Internet
traffic between independent ISPs. The number of ISPs
connected should be at least three, and there must be a clear
and open policy for others to join. An IXP is generally not
considered as an Internet Registry, but rather as an end user
of address space."
The definition above should be updated in light of subsequent
developments in international "best practices" surrounding the
implementation and operation of IXPs. Namely, the scope of
operation of IXPs has become clearer and more focused in the
intervening years, and the definition can consequently be
correspondingly clarified.
One problem which has also emerged during that time is that the
membership fees associated with obtaining address space and
services from APNIC required to operate an IXP are prohibitive
for the majority of IXPs, which are typically non-profit
organisations and often do not charge fees or have revenue.
3. Proposal
3.1 Revised Definition
An amended definition for an IXP is proposed as follows:
"An Internet Exchange Point (IX or IXP) is a layer 1 and layer
2 network interstitial between and interconnecting three or
more Autonomous Systems (ASNs) in contiguous IPv4 and IPv6
subnets for the purpose of exchange of Internet traffic."
3.2 Characteristics
An IXP must have the following characteristics:
* Offer membership on a non-discriminatory basis in accordance
with a published process
* Not provide, or be provided by, an operator of any layer 3
transit or transport services
* Is an end-user of address space.
3.3 Eligibility for a portable assignment
An IXP who meets the definitions and characterstics described
above is eligible for IPv4 and IPv6 portable assignments. The
following conditions must be met:
* The address space must be used exclusively as the switch-fabric
subnet interconnecting the Internet Protocol devices of IXP
participants,
* Documentation of three or more initial IXP participant
Autonomous Systems must be provided
3.4 Assignment Details
* In accordance with established best-practice, both IPv4 and
IPv6 blocks shall be assigned simultaneously, and the last tuple
of the network portion of the assigned IPv4 and IPv6 blocks shall
be matching values.
* Because of the infeasibility of IXPs renumbering their exchange
switch-fabric subnets, it is recommended that some form of sparse
assignments is practiced by APNIC.
3.5 Routing
It is proposed that the restriction upon routability of the
assigned block is lifted, and this matter is left to the
discretion of the IXP and its participants.
3.6 Fees
It is proposed that qualifying not-for-profit IXP organisations,
whether incorporated or not, which do not charge fees to their
IXP participants have APNIC membership fees waived.
If, at any time, an IXP is operated by a for-profit corporation,
or fees of any sort are charged to the IXP participants, normal
membership or non-member fees will apply.
4. Implementation
This policy will be implemented 3 months after acceptance by the
community.
-end-