Modified policy for Internet Exchange Point (IXP) assignments



Proposed by: Bill Woodcock, PCH



Version: 1.2



Date: 25 July 2003







1. Summary



   A revised policy for Internet Exchange Point (IXP) assignments is

   proposed which replaces the existing policy described in

   "Policies for Managing Internet Resources in the Asia Pacific"

   sections 4.2 and 11.2.



2. Background and Problem



   The current definition of an Internet Exchange Point taken from

   section 4.2 above is:



     "An Internet Exchange Point (IXP) is a physical network

      infrastructure operated to facilitate the exchange of Internet

      traffic between independent ISPs.  The number of ISPs

      connected should be at least three, and there must be a clear

      and open policy for others to join.  An IXP is generally not

      considered as an Internet Registry, but rather as an end user

      of address space."



   The definition above should be updated in light of subsequent

   developments in international "best practices" surrounding the

   implementation and operation of IXPs.  Namely, the scope of

   operation of IXPs has become clearer and more focused in the

   intervening years, and the definition can consequently be

   correspondingly clarified.



   One problem which has also emerged during that time is that the

   membership fees associated with obtaining address space and

   services from APNIC required to operate an IXP are prohibitive

   for the majority of IXPs, which are typically non-profit

   organisations and often do not charge fees or have revenue.





3. Proposal



3.1 Revised Definition



   An amended definition for an IXP is proposed as follows:



     "An Internet Exchange Point (IX or IXP) is a layer 1 and layer

      2 network interstitial between and interconnecting three or

      more Autonomous Systems (ASNs) in contiguous IPv4 and IPv6

      subnets for the purpose of exchange of Internet traffic."



3.2 Characteristics



   An IXP must have the following characteristics:



   * Offer membership on a non-discriminatory basis in accordance

     with a published process



   * Not provide, or be provided by, an operator of any layer 3

     transit or transport services



   * Is an end-user of address space.



3.3 Eligibility for a portable assignment



   An IXP who meets the definitions and characterstics described

   above is eligible for IPv4 and IPv6 portable assignments. The

   following conditions must be met:



   * The address space must be used exclusively as the switch-fabric

     subnet interconnecting the Internet Protocol devices of IXP

     participants,



   * Documentation of three or more initial IXP participant

     Autonomous Systems must be provided



3.4 Assignment Details



   * In accordance with established best-practice, both IPv4 and

     IPv6 blocks shall be assigned simultaneously, and the last tuple

     of the network portion of the assigned IPv4 and IPv6 blocks shall

     be matching values.



   * Because of the infeasibility of IXPs renumbering their exchange

     switch-fabric subnets, it is recommended that some form of sparse

     assignments is practiced by APNIC.



3.5 Routing



   It is proposed that the restriction upon routability of the

   assigned block is lifted, and this matter is left to the

   discretion of the IXP and its participants.



3.6 Fees



   It is proposed that qualifying not-for-profit IXP organisations,

   whether incorporated or not, which do not charge fees to their

   IXP participants have APNIC membership fees waived.



   If, at any time, an IXP is operated by a for-profit corporation,

   or fees of any sort are charged to the IXP participants, normal

   membership or non-member fees will apply.



4. Implementation



   This policy will be implemented 3 months after acceptance by the

   community.