2013-4 Previous Version [Archived]

View the current policy proposal text.

The following version was archived on 16 October 2013.

Recommended Draft Policy ARIN-2013-4
RIR Principles

AC’s assessment of conformance with the Principles of Internet Number Resource Policy:

ARIN-2013-4 “RIR Principles” was moved to recommended draft policy status for adoption discussion at ARIN 32. The majority of the AC believes that documenting the existing principles under which ARIN operates uniquely enables fair and impartial number resource administration and that these principles are technically sound, based on their history and heritage. The AC also notes that the current text, after being revised to incorporate staff and community feedback, now has community support.

Date: 14 August 2013

Problem Statement:

The original text in RFC 2050 both “describes the registry system for the distribution of globally unique Internet address space and registry operations” and provides “rules and guidelines [principles] governing the distribution of this address space.”

The currently proposed update (RFC2050bis) “provides information about the current Internet Numbers Registry System used in the distribution of globally unique Internet Protocol (IP) address space and autonomous system (AS) numbers” and “provides information about the processes for further evolution of the Internet Numbers Registry System.”

This means that the guiding principles of stewardship are not currently being carried forward into the new document. The goals of Conservation (efficient utilization based on need), Routability (hierarchical aggregation), and Registration (uniqueness) are as important, if not more so, now that the transition to IPv6 is upon us. This can be rectified by documenting these principles in RIR policy.

Policy Statement (v3 14 August 2013):

Section 0: Principles and Goals of the Internet Registry System

0.1. Registration

The principle of registration guarantees the uniqueness of Internet number resources.

Provision of this public registry documenting Internet number resource allocation, reallocation, assignment, and reassignment is necessary:
a) to ensure uniqueness,
b) to provide a contact in case of operational/security problems,
c) to provide the transparency required to ensure that Internet number resources are efficiently utilized, and
d) to assist in IP allocation studies.

0.2. Conservation

The principle of conservation guarantees sustainability of the Internet through efficient utilization of unique number resources.

Due to the requirement for uniqueness, Internet number resources of each type are drawn from a common number space. Conservation of these common number spaces requires that Internet number resources be efficiently distributed to those organizations who have a technical need for them in support of operational networks.

0.3. Routability

The principle of routability guarantees that Internet number resources are managed in such a manner that they may be routed on the Internet in a scalable manner.

While routing scalability is necessary to ensure proper operation of Internet routing, allocation or assignment of Internet number resources by ARIN in no way guarantees that those addresses will be routed by any particular network operator.

0.4. Stewardship

The principle of stewardship guarantees the application of these principles when managing Internet number resources.

The fundamental purpose of Internet number stewardship is to distribute unique number resources to entities building and operating networks thereby facilitating the growth and sustainability of the Internet for the benefit of all.

It should be noted that the above goals may sometimes be in conflict with each other and with the interests of individual end-users or network operators. Care must be taken to ensure balance with these conflicting goals given the resource availability, relative size of the resource, and number resource specific technical dynamics, for each type of number resource. For example, Conservation often requires greater consideration in IPv4 address distribution due to the limited size of the address space, Routability has a higher weight for the massive IPv6 address space, and AS numbers place the highest value on Registration because they come from a moderately sized pool and are not subject to aggregation.

Comments:

a. Timetable for implementation: immediately

b. I believe that it would be beneficial for IANA to adopt these principles as well, and encourage the community to consider a global policy proposal.

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ARIN Staff and Legal Assessment

DRAFT NUMBER AND NAME: 2013-4
Principles and Goals of the Internet Registry System

DATE: 17 September 2013

1. Summary (Staff Understanding)

This policy would add text to the NRPM which codifies the guiding principles of the registry system as registration, conservation, routability, and stewardship.

2. Comments

A. ARIN Staff Comments

· This proposal text is clear.

· Staff notes that the proposal does not appear to change any existing processes or procedures.

· It appears that the author’s intent is to add these statements as guiding principles into the NRPM.

· Their inclusion into the policy manual will make it more clear to the community the principles under which ARIN has operated.

· For reference, the term “Registration” already exists in NRPM as follows:
· 4.2.3.7. Registration - Refers to ISPs providing reassignment information, so it’s not applicable.
· 6.3.3. Registration - This section has some overlap, could be reduced, but also refers to privacy.
· 6.5.5. Registration - Refers to reassignment information, so it’s not applicable.

· The term “Conservation” exists already in 6.3.5 but is different and specific to IPv6.

· The addition of the term “Routability” would make a portion of NRPM 4.1.1 redundant.

· The term “Stewardship” would add that word anew to the NRPM.

· The statement about conflicting goals should not refer to any specific type of number resource if it is a principle.
o Suggestion - Allow the specific conflicts to exist in the particular section. Remove everything from “For example” on.

· Note also that NRPM 6.3.8 already talks about conflict of goals, noting “aggregation” as the most important goal for IPv6.

· Staff suggests different placement/numbering, in particular, moving the introduction text up into the Abstract section before the TOC, thus freeing up Section 1 for “RIR Principles”.

· It is worth noting that the ARIN Policy Development Process contains the following:
“4. Principles of Internet Number Resource Policy” Internet number resource policy must satisfy three important principles, specifically: 1) enabling fair and impartial number resource administration, 2) technically sound (providing for uniqueness and usability of number resources), and 3) supported by the community.”

Furthermore that the RFC 7020 contains references to “1) Allocation Pool Management, 2) Hierarchical Allocation, and 3) Registration Accuracy”. It is suggested that the policy text be reviewed to avoid duplication with these existing principles.

B. ARIN General Counsel - Legal Assessment

The text of the policy does not create a material legal issue for ARIN. Any effort like this to accurately incorporate in writing the concepts that animate ARIN’s activity is a positive development.

3. Resource Impact

This policy would have minimal resource impact from an implementation aspect. It is estimated that implementation would occur within 3 months after ratification by the ARIN Board of Trustees. The following would be needed in order to implement:

A. Updated guidelines

B. Staff training

The following version was archived on 14 August 2013.

Draft Policy ARIN-2013-4
RIR Principles

Date: 8 July 2013

Problem Statement:

The original text in RFC 2050 both “describes the registry system for the distribution of globally unique Internet address space and registry operations” and provides “rules and guidelines [principles] governing the distribution of this address space.”

The currently proposed update (RFC2050bis) “provides information about the current Internet Numbers Registry System used in the distribution of globally unique Internet Protocol (IP) address space and autonomous system (AS) numbers” and “provides information about the processes for further evolution of the Internet Numbers Registry System.”

This means that the guiding principles of stewardship are not currently being carried forward into the new document. The goals of Conservation (efficient utilization based on need), Routability (hierarchical aggregation), and Registration (uniqueness) are as important, if not more so, now that the transition to IPv6 is upon us. This can be rectified by documenting these principles in RIR policy.

Policy Statement (v2 8 July 2013):

Section 0: Principles and Goals of the Internet Registry System

0.1. Registration

The principle of registration guarantees the uniqueness of Internet
number resources.

Provision of this public registry documenting Internet number resource
allocation, reallocation, assignment, and reassignment is necessary:

a) to ensure uniqueness and to to provide operational staff with
information on who is using each number resource,
b) to provide a contact in case of operational/security problems,
c) to provide the transparency required to ensure that Internet number
resources are efficiently utilized, and
d) to assist in IP allocation studies.

0.1. Conservation

The principle of conservation guarantees sustainability of the
Internet through efficient utilization of unique number resources.

Due to the requirement for uniqueness, Internet number resources of
each type are drawn from a common number space. Conservation of these
common number spaces requires that Internet number resources be
efficiently distributed to those organizations who have a technical
need for them in support of operational networks.

0.2. Routability

The principle of routability guarantees that Internet number resources
are managed in such a manner that they may be routed on the Internet
in a scalable manner.

Routing scalability is necessary to ensure proper operation of
Internet routing, although it must be stressed that routability is in
no way guaranteed with the allocation or assignment of Internet number
resources.

0.4. Stewardship

The principle of stewardship guarantees the application of these
principles when managing Internet number resources.

It should be noted that the above goals may sometimes be in conflict
with each other and with the interests of individual end-users or
network operators. Care must be taken to ensure balance with these
conflicting goals given the resource availability, relative size of
the resource, and number resource specific technical dynamics, for
each type of number resource.

For example, Conservation often requires greater consideration in IPv4
address distribution due to the limited size of the address space,
Routability has a higher weight for the massive IPv6 address space,
and AS numbers place the highest value on Registration because they
come from a moderately sized pool and are not subject to aggregation.

Comments:

a. Timetable for implementation: immediately

b. I believe that it would be beneficial for IANA to adopt these principles as well, and encourage the community to consider a global policy proposal.

The following version was archived on 8 July 2013.

Draft Policy ARIN-2013-4
RIR Principles

Date: 17 May 2013

Problem Statement:

The original text in RFC 2050 both “describes the registry system for the distribution of globally unique Internet address space and registry operations” and provides “rules and guidelines [principles] governing the distribution of this address space.”

The currently proposed update (RFC2050bis) “provides information about the current Internet Numbers Registry System used in the distribution of globally unique Internet Protocol (IP) address space and autonomous system (AS) numbers” and “provides information about the processes for further evolution of the Internet Numbers Registry System.”

This means that the guiding principles of stewardship are not currently being carried forward into the new document. The goals of Conservation (efficient utilization based on need), Routability (hierarchical aggregation), and Registration (uniqueness) are as important, if not more so, now that the transition to IPv6 is upon us. This can be rectified by documenting these principles in RIR policy.

Policy Statement:

Section 0: Principles and Goals of the Internet Registry System

0.1. Efficient utilization based on need (Conservation)

Policies for managing Internet number resources must support fair distribution of globally unique Internet address space according to the operational needs of the end-users and Internet Service Providers operating networks using this address space. The registry should prevent stockpiling in order to maximize the conservation and efficient utilization of the Internet address space.

0.1.1. Documented Justified Need (Needs Based)

Assignment of Internet number resources is based on documented operational need. Utilization rate of address space will be a key factor in number resource assignment. To this end, registrants should have documented justified need available for each assignment. Organizations will be assigned resources based on immediate utilization plus expected utilization.

In order to promote increased usage of Internet number resources, resource holders will be required to provide an accounting of resources currently held demonstrating efficient utilization. Internet number resources are valid as long as the criteria continues to be met. The transfer of Internet number resources from one party to another must be approved by the regional registries. The party trying to obtain the resources must meet the same criteria as if they were requesting resources directly from the IR.

All Internet number resource requests are subject to audit and verification by any means deemed appropriate by the regional registry.

0.2. Hierarchical aggregation (Routability)

Policies for managing Internet number resources must support distribution of globally unique Internet addresses in a hierarchical manner, permitting the routing scalability of the addresses. This scalability is necessary to ensure proper operation of Internet routing, although it must be stressed that routability is in no way guaranteed with the allocation or assignment of IPv4 addresses.

0.3. Uniqueness (Registration)

Provision of a public registry documenting Internet number resource allocation, reallocation, assignment, and reassignment is necessary to:

a) ensure uniqueness and to to provide operational staff with information on who is using the number resource b) to provide a contact in case of operational/security problems (e.g. Law Enforcement) c) to ensure that a provider has exhausted a majority of its current CIDR allocation, thereby justifying an additional allocation d) to assist in IP allocation studies.

It is imperative that reassignment information be submitted in a prompt and efficient manner to facilitate database maintenance and ensure database integrity.

0.4. Stewardship

It should be noted that efficient utilization and hierarchical aggregation are often conflicting goals. All the above goals may sometimes be in conflict with the interests of individual end-users or Internet Service Providers. Care must be taken to ensure balance with these conflicting goals given the resource availability, relative size of the resource, and number resource specific technical dynamics, for each type of number resource. For example, efficient utilization becomes a more prominent issue than aggregation as the IPv4 free pool depletes and IPv4 resource availability in any transfer market decreases. Conversely, because the IPv6 number space is orders of magnitude larger than the IPv4 number space, the scale tips away from efficient utilization towards hierarchical aggregation for IPv6 number resources.

Comments:

a. Timetable for implementation: immediately

b. I believe that it would be beneficial for IANA to adopt these principles as well, and encourage the community to consider a global policy proposal.