[arin-ppml] Revised - Draft Policy ARIN-2024-5: Rewrite of NRPM Section 4.4 Micro-Allocation

[Chris Woodfield]

Hello PPML - 

To add to the pile-on of AC outreach, the shepherds of ARIN-2024-5 are seeking feedback on the latest revisions to this policy incorporating feedback from ARIN 55, PPML, and other sources. The current language can be found at https://www.arin.net/participate/policy/drafts/2024_5/

The changes, to summarize, include:
1. Restored qualification language for DNS service providers to the language found in the current NRPM text, as the modifications here did not seem to have community support;
2. Clarified rules (or rather, lack of rules) for using non-4.4 resources for CII services;
3. Revised language regarding routability and acceptable usage of IXP allocations; and
4. Added accommodation for a replace-and-return allocation mechanism for IXP operators.

Additional community feedback is very much appreciated :) 

Regards,

-Chris

> On Jul 7, 2025, at 12:06, ARIN <info at arin.net> wrote:
> 
> The following Draft Policy has been revised:
>  
> *ARIN-2024-5: Rewrite of NRPM Section 4.4 Micro-Allocation
>  
> Revised text is below and can be found at:
>  
> https://www.arin.net/participate/policy/drafts/2024_5/
>  
> You are encouraged to discuss all Draft Policies on PPML. The AC will evaluate the discussion to assess the conformance of this Draft Policy with ARIN's Principles of Internet number resource policy as stated in the Policy Development Process (PDP). Specifically, these principles are:
>  
> * Enabling Fair and Impartial Number Resource Administration
> * Technically Sound
> * Supported by the Community
>  
> The PDP can be found at:
>  
> https://www.arin.net/participate/policy/pdp/
>  
> Draft Policies and Proposals under discussion can be found at:
>  
> https://www.arin.net/participate/policy/drafts/
>  
> Regards,
>  
> Eddie Diego
> Policy Analyst
> American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN)
> 
> 
> Draft Policy ARIN-2024-5: Rewrite of NRPM Section 4.4 Micro-Allocation
> 
> Problem Statement:  
> 
> The current NRPM Section 4.4 language hasn’t aged well. As the ARIN 53 policy experience report demonstrated, 4.4 has also become difficult to implement by ARIN staff. The growth and use of Internet Exchanges have also changed. The overhaul seeks to improve technical soundness, respect the privilege of a dedicated pool and to more closely observe conservation principles using clear, minimum and enforceable requirements and underscoring the value of routability of allocated prefixes as required.
> 
> Policy Statement:  
> 
> 4.4 Critical Internet Infrastructure (CII) Allocations
> 
> ARIN will reserve a /15 equivalent of IPv4 address space for critical Internet infrastructure (CII) within the ARIN RIR service area. Allocations from this pool will be no smaller than a /24. Sparse allocation will be used whenever practical. CII includes Internet exchange points (IXPs), core DNS service providers (e.g. ICANN-sanctioned root and ccTLD operators) ARIN, and IANA.
> 
> ICANN-sanctioned gTLD operators may justify up to the equivalent of an IPv4 /23 block for each authorized gTLD, allocated from the free pool or received via transfer, but not from the above reservation. This limit of a /23 equivalent per gTLD does not apply to gTLD allocations made under previous policy.
> 
> Previous allocations under this policy must continue to meet the justification requirements of this policy.
> 
> Use of this policy for CII is voluntary; address holders that qualify for CII allocations may use allocations obtained via other means for CII resources. ARIN will publish a record of all addresses allocated under this section for research purposes.
> 
> 4.4.1 Internet Exchange Allocations
> 
> Internet exchange operators must justify their need by providing a minimum of three initial participants not under common control connected to a shared, physical switching fabric to be used for the purpose of the exchange of data destined for and between the respective networks. This justification must include participant names, ASNs and contact information for each named participant. The applicant’s Internet exchange-affiliated ASNs are not eligible to be included in meeting the participant requirement.
> 
> Allocated addresses may be publicly reachable at the operator’s discretion but must be assigned only to resources directly related to the operation of the IXP.
> 
> 4.4.2 TLD Allocations
> 
> TLD operators will provide justification of their need and certification of their status as currently active zone operators.
> 
> 4.4.3 Additional Requests
> 
> A recipient may request up to a 24-month supply of IPv4 resources under this section. Requests for additional resources under this section will be evaluated using Section 4.2.4.1’s usage requirements.
> 
> In cases where fulfilling the request by expanding the existing allocation is not possible, a single prefix sized to accommodate both the prior and additional requested allocation will be issued to facilitate renumbering. The original allocation must be returned to ARIN within 12 months of the new allocation.
> 
> Timetable for Implementation: Immediate
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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