Policy update from APNIC 26, in Christchurch, New Zealand, 25-29 August 2008.

The Asia Pacific Internet community reached consensus on six policy changes during APNIC 26, which was held in Christchurch, New Zealand, 25-29 August 2008.

A further three proposals were discussed, but these did not reach consensus and were returned to the community and their respective authors for further consideration and discussion.

Major policy changes included the acceptance of a global policy [prop-55: Global policy for the allocation of the remaining IPv4 address space] whereby the last of the IPv4 address space would be distributed evenly among the five Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) and a proposal detailing the rules by which the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre would then distribute its share of these addresses [prop-62: Use of final /8].

One proposal [prop-50: IPv4 resource transfers] which would enable APNIC to recognize and register the transfer of IPv4 addresses between current APNIC account holders, received majority support in the APNIC 26 Policy SIG, but did not reach consensus.

The following proposals reached consensus and were subsequently approved at the APNIC Member Meeting. These proposals are now subject to a 'last call' for comments before being endorsed by the APNIC Executive Committee and implemented by the APNIC Secretariat.

prop-055: Global policy for the allocation of the remaining IPv4 address space.

This policy describes the process for the allocation of the remaining IPv4 space from IANA to the RIRs. When a minimum amount of available space is reached, one /8 will be allocated from IANA to each RIR, replacing the current IPv4 allocation policy.

prop-061: 32 Autonomous System (AS) numbers for documentation purposes.

This policy calls for APNIC to reserve a number of 2-byte and 4-byte Autonomous System (AS) numbers for documentation purposes.

prop-062: Use of final /8.

This policy change proposes how APNIC should distribute the last of the IPv4 address pool in the Asia Pacific Region. The policy will ensure each existing LIR (Local Internet Registry) and each new LIR can obtain a final allocation. It also stipulates that APNIC should reserve a /16 for unforseen future needs.

prop-064: Change to assignment policy for AS numbers.

This proposal adds an additional milestone to the migration from 2-byte to 4-byte AS numbers. Once implemented, from 1 July 2009, those applying for AS numbers must demonstrate that a 4-byte number is unsuitable in order to justify a request for a 2-byte AS number.

prop-065: Format for delegation and recording of 4-byte AS numbers.

Under this proposal APNIC will standardize on a new format (ASPLAIN) for the delegation of 4-byte AS numbers.

prop-066: Ensuring efficient use of historical IPv4 resources.

This proposal requires resource applicants to detail their 'historical' resources to ensure they are using best-practice to efficiently utilize existing address space before obtaining more. Historical resources are those allocated prior to the establishment of the RIRs.

prop-050: IPv4 resource transfers.

This policy proposes removing APNIC restrictions on the transfer of registration of IPv4 address allocations and IPv4 portable address assignments between current APNIC account holders. It may have the effect of establishing a legitimate 'open market' for the sale of address space.

prop-060: Change in the criteria for the recognition of NIRs in the APNIC region.

This is a proposal to update the criteria for recognising new National Internet Registries (NIRs) in the APNIC region.

prop-063: Reducing timeframe of IPv4 allocations from twelve to six months.

This proposal would allow resource applicants to demonstrate their need for address space over a 6-month period instead of a 12-month period.

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