This policy proposal has been accepted
The new RIPE Document is: ripe-635
The RIPE NCC service region relies on clear and consistent policies. During RIPE 67, Jan Žorž raised the issue that the use of the word “should” could create unwanted ambiguity in policy documents.
According to RFC 2119, the term “should” means that there may exist valid reasons to ignore a particular item. Correspondingly, the term “must” means that the definition is an absolute requirement of the specification.
The RIPE NCC has reviewed “Allocating/Assigning Resources to the RIPE NCC” and found one occasion where “should” was used while the content and context indicate that “must” would be the appropriate term.
The finding was presented during RIPE 68 and it was agreed that the policy text should be clarified.
This proposal aims to clarify the language in the RIPE Document “Allocating/Assigning Resources to the RIPE NCC”.
[The following text will update will update sections 2.0 in the RIPE Policy Document “Allocating/Assigning Resources to the RIPE NCC”, if the proposal reaches consensus.]
“2.0 RIPE NCC as a Resource Holder
The RIPE NCC as a resource holder should fulfil the same basic requirements also expected of normal LIRs, such as returning unused resources.”
“2.0 RIPE NCC as a Resource Holder
The RIPE NCC as a resource holder must fulfil the same basic requirements also expected of normal LIRs, such as returning unused resources.”
Note: In order to provide additional information related to the proposal, details of an impact analysis carried out by the RIPE NCC are documented below. The projections presented in this analysis are based on existing data and should be viewed only as an indication of the possible impact that the policy might have if the proposal is accepted and implemented.
It is the RIPE NCC's understanding that this proposal clarifies the language in the RIPE Document “Allocating/Assigning Resources to the RIPE NCC" by removing unwanted ambiguity created by the term "should". The replacement with the term "must" confirms the policy's intention that the RIPE NCC as a resource holder has to fulfil the same basic requirements as those expected of LIRs.
This is in line with current RIPE NCC procedures.
Address/Internet Number Resource Consumption:
After analysing the data that is currently available, the RIPE NCC does not anticipate that any significant impact will be caused if this proposal is implemented.
Fragmentation/Aggregation:
After analysing the data that is currently available, the RIPE NCC does not anticipate that any significant impact will be caused if this proposal is implemented.
Registration Services:
After analysing the data that is currently available, the RIPE NCC does not anticipate that any significant impact will be caused if this proposal is implemented.
Billing/Finance Department:
After analysing the data that is currently available, the RIPE NCC does not anticipate that any significant impact will be caused if this proposal is implemented.
RIPE Database:
After analysing the data that is currently available, the RIPE NCC does not anticipate that any significant impact will be caused if this proposal is implemented.
After analysing the data that is currently available, the RIPE NCC does not anticipate that any significant impact will be caused if this proposal is implemented.
If this proposal is accepted, it will be able to be implemented immediately, as existing procedures, tools and documentation are in line with this policy understanding.