------------------------------------------------------------------------ prop-109v001: Allocate 1.0.0.0/24 and 1.1.1.0/24 to APNIC Labs as Research Prefixes ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Proposer: Geoff Huston, gih@apnic.net 1. Problem statement -------------------- Network 1 (1.0.0.0/8) was allocated to APNIC by the IANA on 19 January 2010. In line with standard practice APNIC's Resource Quality Assurance activities determined that 95% of the address space would be suitable for delegation as it was found to be relatively free of unwanted traffic [1]. Testing, conducted by APNIC R&D found that certain blocks within Network 1 attract significant amounts of unsolicited incoming traffic. [2] Analysis revealed that, prior to any delegations being made from the block, 1.0.0.0/8 attracted an average of 140Mbps - 160Mbps of incoming traffic as a continuous sustained traffic level, with peak bursts of over 800Mbps. This analysis highlighted the individual addresses 1.1.1.1 as the single address with the highest level of unsolicited traffic, and it was recommended that the covering /24 prefix, and also 1.1.1.0/24 be withheld from allocation pending a decision as to the longer term disposition of these address prefixes. As these addresses attract extremely high levels of unsolicited incoming traffic, the blocks have been withheld from allocation and periodically checked to determine if the incoming traffic profile has altered. None has been observed to date. After four years, it now seems unlikely there will ever be any change in the incoming traffic profile. This proposal is intended to define a long term approach to the management of 1.0.0.0/24 and 1.1.1.0/24. 2. Objective of policy change ----------------------------- The objective of this proposal is to allocate 1.0.0.0/24 and 1.1.1.0/24 to APNIC Labs, to be used as research prefixes. 3. Situation in other regions ----------------------------- Other RIRs (notably the RIPE NCC) have used their policy process to review self-allocations of number resources to the RIR as a means of ensuring transparency of the address allocation process. This proposal is consistent with such a practice. 4. Proposed policy solution --------------------------- This proposal recommends that the APNIC community agree to allocate 1.0.0.0/24 and 1.1.1.0/24 to APNIC Labs as research prefixes. The intent is to use these prefixes as passive traffic collectors in order to generate a long term profile of unsolicited traffic in the IPv4 internet that is directed to well known addresses to study various aspects of traffic profiles and route scope leakages. An experiment in gathering a profile of unsolicited traffic directed at 1.1.1.0/24 was started by APNIC Labs in 2013, in collaboration with Google. This experiment was set up as a temporary exercise to understand the longer term trend of the traffic profile associated with this address. Through this policy proposal we would like to place this research experiment on a more certain longer term foundation. 5. Advantages / Disadvantages ----------------------------- Advantages - It will make use of this otherwise unusable address space. - The research analysis may assist network operators to understand the effectiveness of route scoping approaches. Disadvantages - The proposer is unclear what the downsides to this action may be. The consideration of this proposal by the community may allow potential downsides to be identified. 6. Impact on APNIC ------------------ There are no impacts on APNIC. References ---------- [1] Resource Quality Good for Most of IPv4 Network “1” http://www.apnic.net/publications/press/releases/2010/network-1.pdf [2] Traffic in Network 1.0.0.0/8 http://www.potaroo.net/ispcol/2010-03/net1.html