[sig-policy]Re: APNIC Fees for IXP assignments - Proposal

[Anne Lord <anne@apnic.net>]

Arano San, Kenny and Yong Wan,

I am forwarding the proposal below received by the APNIC Secretariat, 
for the upcoming APNIC Open Policy Meeting in Korea. 

Discussion and feedback on this list prior to Korea, is invited.

regards,
Anne
--

A modified policy for Internet Exchange Point (IXP) assignments 

Proposed by: Bill Woodcock, PCH

Version: 1.2

Date: 25 July 2003



1. Summary

   A revised policy for Internet Exchange Point (IXP) assignments is
   proposed which replaces the existing policy described in
   "Policies for Managing Internet Resources in the Asia Pacific"
   sections 4.2 and 11.2.

2. Background and Problem

   The current definition of an Internet Exchange Point taken from
   section 4.2 above is:

     "An Internet Exchange Point (IXP) is a physical network
      infrastructure operated to facilitate the exchange of Internet
      traffic between independent ISPs.  The number of ISPs
      connected should be at least three, and there must be a clear
      and open policy for others to join.  An IXP is generally not
      considered as an Internet Registry, but rather as an end user
      of address space."

   The definition above should be updated in light of subsequent
   developments in international "best practices" surrounding the
   implementation and operation of IXPs.  Namely, the scope of
   operation of IXPs has become clearer and more focused in the
   intervening years, and the definition can consequently be
   correspondingly clarified.

   One problem which has also emerged during that time is that the
   membership fees associated with obtaining address space and
   services from APNIC required to operate an IXP are prohibitive
   for the majority of IXPs, which are typically non-profit
   organisations and often do not charge fees or have revenue.


3. Proposal

3.1 Revised Definition

   An amended definition for an IXP is proposed as follows:

     "An Internet Exchange Point (IX or IXP) is a layer 1 and layer
      2 network interstitial between and interconnecting three or
      more Autonomous Systems (ASNs) in contiguous IPv4 and IPv6
      subnets for the purpose of exchange of Internet traffic."

3.2 Characteristics

   An IXP must have the following characteristics:

   * Offer membership on a non-discriminatory basis in accordance
     with a published process

   * Not provide, or be provided by, an operator of any layer 3
     transit or transport services

   * Is an end-user of address space.

3.3 Eligibility for a portable assignment

   An IXP who meets the definitions and characterstics described
   above is eligible for IPv4 and IPv6 portable assignments. The
   following conditions must be met:

   * The address space must be used exclusively as the switch-fabric
     subnet interconnecting the Internet Protocol devices of IXP
     participants,

   * Documentation of three or more initial IXP participant
     Autonomous Systems must be provided

3.4 Assignment Details

   * In accordance with established best-practice, both IPv4 and
     IPv6 blocks shall be assigned simultaneously, and the last tuple
     of the network portion of the assigned IPv4 and IPv6 blocks shall
     be matching values.

   * Because of the infeasibility of IXPs renumbering their exchange
     switch-fabric subnets, it is recommended that some form of sparse
     assignments is practiced by APNIC.

3.5 Routing

   It is proposed that the restriction upon routability of the
   assigned block is lifted, and this matter is left to the
   discretion of the IXP and its participants.

3.6 Fees

   It is proposed that qualifying not-for-profit IXP organisations,
   whether incorporated or not, which do not charge fees to their
   IXP participants have APNIC membership fees waived.

   If, at any time, an IXP is operated by a for-profit corporation,
   or fees of any sort are charged to the IXP participants, normal
   membership or non-member fees will apply.

4. Implementation

   This policy will be implemented 3 months after acceptance by the
   community.


-end-