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Proposal: IPv6 allocations to organisations with existing IPv4
infrastructure
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Version 1.0


Background
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The current IPv6 policy allows existing IPv4 infrastructure to be 
considered in requests for IPv6 address space.  This is described in
section 4.4 "Consideration of IPv4 Infrastructure", which states:

"Where an existing IPv4 service provider requests IPv6 space for 
eventual transition of existing services to IPv6, the number of present
IPv4 customers may be used to justify a larger request than would be 
justified if based solely on the IPv6 infrastructure."

This policy indicates an intention to consider an existing IPv4 network
in order to justify larger allocations, however it does not sufficiently
describe how that infrastructure and customer base should be taken into
account in making an IPv6 allocation.  This policy proposal aims to 
address this problem by clarifying the relevant policy and procedures.


Proposal
--------

The IPv6 policy and allocation procedures should be updated to 
explicitly document the consideration given to an existing 
infrastructure and customer base.  

Section 4.4 of the policy should be replaced with the following:

  "Where an existing IPv4 service provider requests IPv6 space for 
  provision of existing services via IPv6, the existing IPv4 
  infrastructure and customer base will be evaluated, and an IPv6
  allocation will be made which is sufficient to allow the network 
  to be addressed using IPv6. 

Section 5.1.2 should be replaced with the following:

  "Organizations that meet the initial allocation criteria are 
  eligible to receive a minimum allocation of /32.

  "Qualifying organizations may request an initial allocation 
  greater than /32 by submitting additional documentation that 
  reasonably justifies the request. This may include comprehensive
  documentation of the planned infrastructure; or, in accordance 
  with section 4.4, a description of an existing IPv4 network which
  is to receive IPv6 addresses.   In either case, an allocation 
  will be made which fulfills the calculated address requirement, 
  in accordance with the HD-Ratio based utilisation policy."

In evaluating a request under this "existing IPv4 network" provision,
standard hostmaster request processes will be used to determine the 
total IPv6 addressing requirement of the existing infrastructure and 
customer base.  Information may be obtained from previous requests 
and/or database registrations, and additional exchanges as required.  

The request and evaluation should apply only to IPv4 infrastructure 
and customers which are intended to receive IPv6 addresses. It is not
necessary that the organisation commit to a complete transition to IPv6
at any time, only that the IPv6 addresses will be used, and that use of
the address space will commence within 2 years.


NIR considerations 
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This policy should be applicable equally to all NIRs in the APNIC 
region.


Implementation
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This policy should become effective in the APNIC region after approval
through the APNIC policy process, and reasonable coordination efforts
involving other RIR regions.