Proposed extension of the bootstrap period for the allocation of IPv6 address space

Proposed by: APNIC
Draft: 1.0
Date: 1 August 2001

1. Summary

This is a proposal to extend the bootstrap period for the allocation of IPv6 address space.

This proposal is being made in response to community concern that the original bootstrap period was not sufficient, and that a failure to extend it would hamper the widespread deployment of IPv6 address space.

2. Background and problem

2.1. Current policy position

The Provisional IPv6 Assignment and Allocation Policy Document was jointly developed by the communities of the three RIRs (APNIC, ARIN, and NCC). The general eligibility criteria for IPv6 allocations include (among other things) peering relationships with other IPv6 networks. However, no such relationships existed before IPv6 was introduced, creating a "bootstrap" problem. Therefore, it was agreed that criteria relating to specified IPv4 peering relationships should apply in this "bootstrap period".

Section 4.2.2.1 of the policy document sets out that the bootstrap period should last until the RIRs have made a combined total of 100 IPv6 allocations. If 60 allocations are made in one RIR's region, then the bootstrap period will end in that region, but will continue in the other regions until the total reaches 100 globally. See:

http://www.apnic.net/drafts/ipv6/ipv6-policy-280599.html#4.2

2.2. Current concerns

The RIRs collectively have now made 90 IPv6 allocations (by end-July 2001), meaning that the bootstrap period, as defined, will soon end.

Concerns have been raised in the various regional Internet communities that the original bootstrap period is not sufficient, and that ending it at 100 allocations globally may hamper the introduction of IPv6.

3. Other RIRs

3.1. RIPE NCC

At the 39th RIPE meeting in Bologna, this was discussed and there was consensus to continue allocating under the bootstrap criteria beyond the current limit. No specific end for the bootstrap phase has been suggested. See:

http://www.ripe.net/ripe/mail-archives/ipv6-wg/current/msg00013.html

3.2. ARIN

In the ARIN region, this issue has been raised and input sought. See:

http://www.arin.net/mailinglists/v6wg/0081.html

4. Proposal

To address the issues discussed above, it is proposed to extend the bootstrap period until the RIRs have made a combined total of 200 IPv6 allocations. If 120 allocations are made in one RIR's region, then the bootstrap period will end in that region, but will continue in the other regions until the total reaches 200 globally.

It is also proposed that as the end of the extended period approaches, this issue should be reviewed again with the possibility of further extension.

5. Additional discussion

n/a

6. Benefits

Adoption of this proposal is anticipated to bring greater support for the deployment of IPv6 globally.

7. Outstanding issues

The entire Provisional IPv6 Assignment and Allocation Policy Document is currently undergoing review in a process jointly coordinated by the RIRs. Proposals dealing with other aspects of IPv6 address policy may be presented separately.

8. Proposed implementation

The Provisional IPv6 Assignment and Allocation Policy Document was jointly developed by the communities of the three RIRs. Therefore, it is proposed that the consensus of the APNIC community on this issue be reported to the communities of the other RIRs, with the intention of maintaining a consistent global policy. Any further developments or amendments arising from the other RIRs will be reported back to the APNIC community for approval.

9. Conclusion

It is recommended that the bootstrap period be extended, as described above.

10. Comments

Comments and feedback on this proposal are now invited from the community and are very welcome.