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prop-045-v001:   Proposal to modify "end site" definition and allow
                 end sites to receive IPv6 allocations
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Author:     Jordi Palet Martinez, Consulintel

Version:    1

Date:       22 January 2007

SIG:        Policy



Introduction
------------
This policy modification is intended to provide a solution for portable
assignments required by entities which are not multihomed.



Summary of the current problem
------------------------------
Often, some organisations need to make internal assignments. Their
networks may be made up of a number of sites that each has their own L2
infrastructure. In some cases, organisations may have a small number of
sites, but still need their own block so that they can avoid future
renumbering, if they change their upstream provider, or have other
administrative or policy reasons for that.

One example might be a large university that has several campuses and
faculties, each requiring IPv6 addresses. It may have one or several
upstream providers. The university will most likely need to be able to
assign IPv6 addresses from the same block to its sites and, at the same
time, be able to use one or several upstreams. The university network
behaves like an internal university ISP to each of the end sites. 
Existing policy 035 only solve the problem for this university if they
are multihomed.



Situation in other RIRs
-----------------------
A similar proposal has also been submitted to RIPE NCC, LACNIC and AfriNIC
regions and updated versions are under preparation.



Details
-------
The following policy changes are proposed for APNIC-089, "IPv6 Address
Allocation and Assignment Policy":


1.  Definition of "end site"

    The definition of "end site" in section 2.9 should be broadened to
    include a wider range of end users. This definition should be
    expanded to include end users that have a legal relationship with
    the service provider. Such legal relationships would allow end
    users that are part of the service provider or legally associated
    with the provider to be considered "end sites". For example, the
    different faculties or campuses of a university could be
    considered to be "end sites" under this proposed new definition.


2.  Initial allocation criteria

    The following changes are proposed in section 5.1.1 of APNIC-089:

    a) Allow end sites to apply for an allocation

    b) Expand the criteria of the types of sites an organisation can
       provide IPv6 connectivity to include:

       - sites within its own organisations
       - sites at related organisations



Pros/Cons
---------

Advantages:

    The difficulty encountered in receiving IPv6 address space by some
    big entities that have a need to use IPv6 is a clear barrier for
    its deployment.


Disadvantages:

    One possible effect of this proposal would be a growth of global
    routing tables. This is only to be expected when new allocations
    are made possible under this proposal.



Effect on APNIC
---------------
There may be a small increase in the number of IPv6 allocation requests
from organizations which are not multihomed but require a portable 
block.


Effect on NIRs
--------------
NIRs may need to adapt their own similar policy. Otherwise, the
organizations requiring a portable block may become APNIC LIRs to access
to it.