[ARIN-Suggestions] Response to 2021.27: Add inet-num to ARIN Authenticated IRR

[ARIN]

ACSP Suggestion 2021.27: Add inet-num to ARIN Authenticated IRR
https://www.arin.net/participate/community/acsp/suggestions/2021/2021-27/

Description: In previous requests years ago, we could request an inet-num to set geolocation that doesn’t match the RIR address space physical location. Since the use of inet-num is being depreciated; we are requesting ARIN revisit the deprecation of inet-num as a way to centralize geolocation assignments which third party geolocation services providers could use as a geolocation source.

Value to Community: This will help stability and centralization that 3rd party geolocation can use as a dependable source for geolocation variances.

Timeframe: Not specified

Response from ARIN: Thank you for your suggestion, numbered 2021.27 upon confirmed receipt, requesting that ARIN add inetnum: objects to the Authenticated IRR for the purpose of publishing geolocation data. After investigating the usage of inetnum: objects, prior to the creation of the ARIN authenticated IRR, it was found usage of inetnum: was extremely limited, and inclusion of geolocation coordinates was not detected.  This factored into our original decision to discontinue support for inetnum: objects when the ARIN authenticated IRR was created.   We researched other RIRs, and 3rd party IRR operator databases for inetnum: objects populated with geo coordinates, the count ranged from statistically insignificant to zero.  While discussing this suggestion with the submitter, alternatives for publishing this data were presented, including but not limited to, using a remark in an existing route: object populated with geolocation data or establishing an RFC8805 compliant Self-Published IP Geolocation Feed, both mitigate the need to restore support, create and maintain new inetnum: objects.

As  there are alternative ways available to publish geolocation data that do not necessitate restoring inetnum: to the ARIN IRR, we are not going to pursue development of this suggestion. Thank you for participating in ARIN’s Consultation and Suggestion Process.


Regards,

American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN)