Proposal for Rewording Virtual Webhosting Standards

[Alec H. Peterson]

The ARIN Advisory Council recommends the following action regarding 
webhosting policy:

1) Remove language from the IP address application instructions for
requiring name-based virtual webhosting

2) Retain language from the IP address application instructions which
indicates that name-based virtual webhosting is a "best practice" and that
ARIN strongly urges customers to consider this practice.

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Existing language:
ARIN INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING NAME-BASED VIRTUAL WEBHOSTING

ARIN subscription holders who provide virtual webhosting services to their
customers, and organizations that request new address space from ARIN, are
encouraged to employ a name-based system of webhosting -- a method which
enables multiple domains to be hosted by a single IP address. In contrast,
an IP-based system requires a distinct IP number for each domain, which is
an inefficient use of addresses. Widespread use of the name-based system
will significantly reduce the number of addresses needed for webhosting
and will help to conserve the limited supply of available address space. 

Name-based hosting also helps to simplify large operational web servers
where allocation of many IP addresses to a single host has proven to be
problematic in some cases. Where security is a concern, name-based hosting
is capable of supporting the transmission of sensitive materials with some
servers.

POLICY
When an ISP submits a request for IP address space, ARIN will not accept
IP-based webhosting as justification for an allocation, unless an
exception is warranted. Along with the request, organizations must provide
appropriate details demonstrating their virtual webhosting customer base.
Exceptions may be made for ISPs that provide justification for requiring
static addresses. ARIN will determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether an
exception is appropriate.

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Recommended Language:

ARIN INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING NAME-BASED VIRTUAL WEBHOSTING

ARIN subscription holders who provide virtual webhosting services to their
customers, and organizations that request new address space from ARIN, are
strongly encouraged to employ a name-based system of webhosting -- a
current best practice method which enables multiple domains to be hosted
by a single IP address. In contrast, an IP-based system requires a
distinct IP number for each domain, which, where not required for the
technical basis of services offered, is an inefficient use of addresses.
Widespread use of the name-based system will significantly reduce the
number of addresses needed for webhosting and will help to conserve the
limited supply of available address space.

POLICY 
When an ISP submits a request for IP address space, ARIN will review all
IP-based webhosting requests with the requesting organization to confirm
they have investigated the option of name-based webhosting and that there
are technical considerations which make IP-based webhosting preferable.

Alec

-- 
Alec H. Peterson - ahp at hilander.com
Staff Scientist
CenterGate Research Group - http://www.centergate.com
"Technology so advanced, even _we_ don't understand it!"