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Using address space obtained from APNIC

Contents

• What is the difference between "allocated" and "assigned" address space?
• When can I request additional space?
• Can I reserve address space for my customers?
• What is an "assignment window" and why do I have one?
• Why do I have to resubmit information about my address usage each time I request additional IP addresses?
• Why does APNIC say it can't guarantee that addresses it allocates will be routable?

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What is the difference between "allocated" and "assigned" address space?

Allocated address space is address space that is distributed to members for the purpose of subsequent distribution by them.

Assigned address space is address space that is distributed to a single end-user for the purpose of actual deployment in that end-user's own network. Address space is also designated as assigned if the organisation holding it uses it for the purposes of addressing their own network or applies it to a pool from which assignments are made dynamically as connections are established. Assignments are made for specific, documented purposes and should not be sub-allocated or sub-assigned.

When can I request additional space?

You can request additional space when you have used eighty percent of your current allocation. Refer to section 9.5 of Policies for address space management in the Asia Pacific region.

Can I reserve address space for my customers?

Yes, but APNIC does not support reservations made for customers. Unfortunately the practice of reserving space can lead to wastage of valuable resources (for example, when customers fail to return to request the space reserved for them). Therefore, while you are free to reserve address space for your customers, if you make a request for additional address space, APNIC will consider that reserved space to be "unused". You will not be eligible to receive additional address space unless at least eighty percent of your previous allocations are used. APNIC suggests that when your assignments get close to eighty percent, you remove reservations for future customer assignments to allow the eighty percent requirement to be fulfilled for your next address request.

What is an "assignment window" and why do I have one?

An assignment window refers to the amount of IP address space that you can assign to your customers without the need to send in a second-opinion-request form for APNIC's approval. The assignment window ensures that all members are familiar with APNIC's policies and follow the correct procedures and practices when assigning IP addresses. For more information, see the Assignment window FAQ.

Why do I have to resubmit information about my address usage each time I request additional IP addresses?

APNIC has a duty to the global Internet community to ensure that Internet address resources in this region are being managed responsibly and used in accordance with best current practice. Therefore, APNIC needs to evaluate the addressing practices of its members in order to assist them to meet these best practice requirements. This information needs to be resubmitted each time you make a request to take into account the possible fluctuation in your utilisation of resources due to customer and network infrastructure changes. For more information, refer to Policies for address space management in the Asia Pacific region, especially section 5, Goals of address space management.

Why does APNIC say it can't guarantee that addresses it allocates will be routable?

The filtering policies implemented by transit providers around the world are beyond APNIC's control. The best way to avoid filtering problems is to ensure that your network is numbered into the address range of a larger network (such as your upstream ISP), so that many addresses can be aggregated and announced globally as a single route. The shorter prefix of such a global route will increase its chances of being unaffected by the filtering policies of large transit providers.