CENIC CalREN IPv4 Allocation Policy (Updated 11/17/2004)

Background:

The CalREN networks (CalREN) are owned and operated by CENIC, the Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California. The purpose of CalREN is to engineer, maintain and operate telecommunication facilities for the primary benefit of CENIC Associates. The network provides CENIC Associates with high-performance inter-campus networking resources to support educational, research, and institutional objectives.

Purpose:

The purpose of this document is to describe the Internet Protocol version 4 address assignment policies that CENIC uses to determine IPv4 address allocation to CENIC CalREN associates.

Scope:

This document applies to all users of CalREN networks services that request assignment or allocation of IP v4 addresses from CENIC. The policies set forth in this document are based on ARIN guidelines and RFC 2050. This document clarifies IPv4 address distribution policies for CENIC and is meant to act as a base set of rules and guidelines. The unique requirements of CalREN may dictate that additional IP address distribution policies that are more stringent than ARIN guidelines may be required when appropriate.

This policy does not replace ARIN or RFC 2050 guidelines, and any rules not specifically included in this policy default to ARIN guidelines. This policy is subject to change and the latest version will be posted at: http://noc.cenic.org/documentation/policies.html.

Portions of this document quote RFC 2050 or ARIN guidelines.

Address allocations for CalREN/XD applications are beyond the scope of this document and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Introduction

Because the number of available IP addresses on the Internet is limited, the utilization rate of address space will be a key factor in network number assignment. Therefore, in the best interest of the Internet as a whole, specific guidelines have been created to govern the assignment of addresses based on utilization rates. This policy encourages fair distribution of globally unique Internet address space according to operational needs of CENIC and our associates. Maintaining proper documentation and efficient utilization of address space provides CENIC with ability to continue to distribute IP address space to our associates. IP address space is allocated using a slow-start model. Allocations are based on justified need, not solely on a predicted customer base.

Requests for Initial Address Space

All requests for initial IP address assignment must include a completed IP Address Request Form. This form will e-mailed to the CENIC NOC at noc@cenic.org.

Although topological issues may make exceptions necessary, the basic criteria that should be met to receive network numbers are listed below:

• 25% immediate utilization rate
• 50% utilization rate within 1 year

The utilization rate above is to be used as a guideline. There may be occasions when the 1-year rate does not fall exactly in this range. Organizations must exhibit a high confidence level in its 1-year utilization rate and supply documentation to justify the level of confidence. A prefix as long as a /26 may be issued if deemed appropriate.

CalREN connected associates that are currently using IP addresses provided by another ISP and requesting an initial allocation of IP addresses are allocated addresses based on the following two categories:

Associates migrating away from ISP services:

CENIC will assign IP addresses based on current justification CENIC guidelines. Previous ISP allocations do not automatically justify new initial allocations of the same size.

Associates maintaining ISP connectivity:

This will follow the same guidelines as a Request For Additional Address Space.

Requests for large IP address allocations require additional review. For initial IP address requests that exceed /23 in size, the following supporting documentation may be required.

/22 and larger:

Requests for IP address requests of /22 and larger require additional review by CENIC engineering. The following supporting information in addition to the request template will expedite processing of the request.

• Network engineering plans, including subnets, host counts, and hosts per subnet, with projected utilization rates and associated confidence levels of those projections for one and two years.
• Network topology diagrams.

/19 and larger:

Requests for IP address allocations of /19 or larger may require additional approval by ARIN before assignment. The request template must be submitted with the following additional information.

• Network engineering plans, including subnets, host counts, and hosts per subnet, with projected utilization rates and associated confidence levels of those projections for one and two years.
• Deployment schedule for the network, including major milestones for each subnet.
• Network topology diagrams.

Requests for Additional Address Space

All requests for additional IP address assignment must include a IP Address Request Form. This form will be e-mailed to the CENIC NOC at noc@cenic.org.

The determination of additional IP address allocations is based upon current utilization and justification for additional address space. CENIC associates must have efficiently utilized all previous allocations, and at least 85% of their most recent allocation in order to receive additional space.. Allocations should show a 25% immediate utilization with 50% utilized within 1 year.

Documentation requirements for additional address space are the same as for Requests for Initial IP Address Space.

Recommended Supporting Documentation for IP Address Requests

While processing a request for IP addresses, CENIC or ARIN may request additional supporting documentation. To expedite the processing of the request it is helpful that the following updated information be made available upon request.

1. Network engineering plans, including subnets, host counts, and hosts per subnet, with projected utilization rates and associated confidence levels of those projections for one and two years.
2. Deployment schedule for the network, including major milestones for each subnet.
3. Network topology diagrams.
4. Any additional supporting explanations for the request. This is especially helpful in cases when CENIC/ARIN guidelines cannot be strictly adhered to.

Portability

All CENIC IP address assignments are non-portable and must be returned within one year if no longer using CENIC CalREN services.

Reverification

For any IP address requests, CENIC may require additional verification to confirm accuracy of supporting documentation.