ARIN-prop-350: NRPM Section 6.5 Revision

NRPM Section 6.5 Revision

Problem Statement

Current NRPM Section 6.5 contains allocation mechanisms that are complex and formula driven. These mechanisms include rigid sizing calculations, utilization-based thresholds, and IPv4-dependent qualification criteria.

IPv6 deployment is based on hierarchical planning, aggregation, and projected growth.

ARIN’s IPv6 network planning guide emphasizes structured planning instead of mathematical formulas, including the use of hierarchical addressing, aggregation, and multi-year growth projections.

The current policy is complex, is difficult for applicants to interpret consistently and does not align with ARIN’s published guidance.

Policy Statement

Policy Statement: Modify NRPM Section 6.5 (IPv6 Allocations) to simplify allocation criteria and align policy with IPv6 network planning practices.

The revised policy replaces formula-based and utilization-based allocation mechanisms with a planning-based evaluation model.

Under this model:

• Eligibility is based on demonstrated operational requirements for IPv6 address space, including service provider operations, multihoming, and internal infrastructure needs
• All requests must include a network plan describing intended addressing use, hierarchical structure, and projected growth over defined time horizons
• Allocation sizes are determined based on the documented network plan and need for aggregation and contiguous growth
• Subsequent allocations are based on demonstrated implementation consistent with prior plans and updated growth projections
• End-user allocations and LIR allocations are evaluated using consistent planning-based criteria appropriate to their operational context

Section 6.5: IPv6 Allocations

6.5 Policies for IPv6 Address Space

IPv6 address space is issued to support scalable, hierarchical network design, efficient aggregation, and long-term operational requirements.

IPv6 policy emphasizes minimizing fragmentation of the global routing table and supporting structured network growth.

6.5.1 Eligibility

An organization is eligible to receive IPv6 address space if it meets one or more of the following criteria:

a. It operates as a Local Internet Registry (LIR) or intends to make reallocations to downstream networks or customers; or
b. It operates infrastructure or internal networks that require provider-independent IPv6 address space to meet operational or architectural requirements.

6.5.2 Network Plan Requirements

Requests for IPv6 address space must include a documented network plan. Consistent with IPv6 network planning best practices, the plan must:

a. Identify typical assignment sizes for your remote sites or customers (e.g., /48, /56, or /64);
b. Describe the addressing hierarchy and logical structure of the network;
c. Provide projected utilization of addressing units at approximately 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year intervals.

6.5.3 Initial Allocation to LIRs

An organization acting as a Local Internet Registry (LIR) may receive an initial IPv6 allocation when it demonstrates a requirement to make assignments or reallocations to downstream networks or customers.

Initial allocation requests must include a network plan that:

a. Identifies the intended customer or downstream assignment model, including typical prefix sizes;
b. Describes how address space will be distributed across the network to support aggregation;
c. Provides projected growth in the number of assignments or sites over approximately 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year intervals.

In evaluating initial allocation requests, ARIN will consider:

i. The anticipated number and type of downstream assignments;
ii. The need to support hierarchical addressing and route aggregation;
iii. The ability to accommodate growth through contiguous address space.

Initial allocations will be issued at sizes sufficient to support the documented plan and allow for efficient expansion. Assignments will be no smaller than a /48, unless the documented network plan justifies a different size.

6.5.4 Subsequent Requests

To ensure scalable growth while maintaining registry integrity, additional IPv6 address space may be granted when an organization demonstrates:

a. The organization has assigned or reallocated at least 75% of the prefix units defined in its current 2-year network plan;
b. Documented evidence that the address space has been deployed according to the hierarchical structure previously submitted, or a technical justification for architectural changes;
c. A revised network plan showing projected requirements for additional prefix units over a new 5-year horizon;
d. The request supports the continued aggregation of prefixes. To minimize global routing table growth, ARIN will—whenever possible—issue additional space contiguously by extending the organization’s existing allocation.

6.5.5 Deployment Timeline

Organizations are expected to begin using issued IPv6 address space within 12 months of issuance.

6.5.6 End-User Allocations (Provider-Independent)

End-user organizations may receive provider-independent (PI) IPv6 address space when they demonstrate a need for stable, non-provider-dependent addressing for internal infrastructure or operational continuity.

Requests must include a documented network plan that:

a. Identifies the number of sites and associated addressing requirements;
b. Describes the internal addressing structure, including segmentation of infrastructure, services, and end systems;
c. Supports hierarchical addressing and aggregation within the organization;
d. Includes projected growth in addressing requirements over approximately 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year intervals.

Initial allocations will be issued on nibble boundaries and will be based on the organization’s network plan and projected growth.

In evaluating requests, ARIN will consider:

i. The number and type of sites or operational units;
ii. The need to support internal hierarchy and segmentation;
iii. The ability to accommodate growth without renumbering.

Allocations will be issued at sizes sufficient to support the documented plan and allow for efficient expansion.

6.5.7 Registration (Whois/RDAP)

Organizations must maintain records sufficient to document their use of IPv6 address space.

Reassignments or reallocations to external entities of a /64 or larger must be registered in ARIN’s directory services, in accordance with applicable requirements.

Comments

None