________________________________________________________________________ prop-093-v001: Reducing the minimum delegation size for the final /8 policy ________________________________________________________________________ Author: Randy Bush Philip Smith Andy Linton Version: 1 Date: 24 January 2011 1. Introduction ---------------- This is a proposal to change the minimum size of IPv4 delegations to a /24 when the final /8 policy [1] is activated. 2. Summary of current problem ------------------------------ The current final /8 allocation policy requires networks to meet the requirements for the minimum allocation size currently in place: currently a /22. To justify a /22 allocation, a network must demonstrate, amongst other things, an immediate need for a /24 and a detailed plan for use of a /23 within a year. However, this could prevent small networks, that may be multihomed, operating critical Internet infrastructure, or connecting to IXPs, or running IPv6 transition tools such as NAT64, from justifying a need for IPv4 addresses under the final /8 policy. 3. Situation in other RIRs --------------------------- There is no similar policy or proposal in other regions. 4. Details of the proposal --------------------------- It is proposed that when APNIC enters the phase of the final /8 policy[1]: 4.1 The minimum delegation size be set to a /24. 4.2 The maximum delegation size any one organisation can receive from the final /8 be set to a /22. Note: This means that an organisation which has received a single /24 under this proposal is entitled to request and receive additional IPv4 address(es) from APNIC until it has received up to a total of a /22. 4.3 Criteria for delegations under the final /8 policy will accordingly be expanded to include the following criteria: - Small multihoming assignments - Internet Exchange Points - Critical infrastructure 5. Advantages and disadvantages of the proposal ------------------------------------------------ 5.1 Advantages - This proposal allows a greater range of networks to access the resources in the final /8. - This proposal extends the maximum possible total number of networks that can benefit from the final /8 pool from around 16,000 to around 65,000 networks, providing small amounts of IPv4 to be available for networks, end site, etc., making the transition to IPv6 for many years to come. 5.2 Disadvantages - No disadvantages are foreseen. 6. Effect on APNIC members --------------------------- It reduces the minimum size of the delegated address block available to APNIC members during the final /8 phase. 7. Effect on NIRs ------------------ This will affect NIR members in the same way as APNIC members. 8. References -------------- [1] Section 9.10 "Distribution of the final /8 worth of space in the unallocated APNIC IPv4 address pool" of "Policies for IPv4 address space management in the Asia Pacific region" http://www.apnic.net/policy/add-manage-policy#9.10