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Minimum Size for IPv4 Temporary Assignments

Summary of Proposal

This policy proposal recommends setting the minimum assignment size to a /24 while still allowing for a smaller assignment if requested by the End User. This policy proposal also allows routing requirements to justify the request for more than a /24 for research purposes.

Policy text:

a) Current policy text (if modification):

3.3 IPv4 Address Utilisation Rates

The utilisation rate of an assignment must be such that at least 50% of the total space applied for at the time of the assignment will be concurrently used at peak periods during the assignment.

b) New policy text:

3.3 IPv4 Address Utilisation Rates

The default assignment size is a /24. Assignments smaller than a /24 can be made upon request. The utilisation rate of an assignment larger than a /24 must be such that at least 50% of the total space applied for at the time of the assignment will be concurrently used at peak periods during the assignment.

In the case where an End User requires number resources for research purposes, and where the research project details are made public upon registration of the number resources by the RIPE NCC, and where the End User commits to making public the results of their research project free of charge and free from disclosure constraints, then the need for more than a /24 may be justified by routing requirements.

Rationale

a. Arguments supporting the proposal

  • It allows all requesters to receive a routable IPv4 subnet.
  • It allows researchers to receive an assignment larger than a /24, when not meeting the utilisation requirements, if justified by routing requirements.

b. Arguments opposing the proposal

  • Large assignments issued for research, justified by routing requirements, may temporarily deplete the reserved IPv4 pool, preventing other users from finding available space.
  • Research project details will need to be made public upon registration of the resources when the requests for assignments larger than a /24 are only justified by routing requirements.

 

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