Re: Independent space from ARIN

[Andrea Abrahamsen <slinky () rogers com>]

Richard A Steenbergen wrote:

> * Why have I NEVER been able to submit an ARIN request without receiving
>   a response asking for information I included in the original request.

I would say it's because you need to explain yourself more clearly in your
requests.  You can never give them too much information, so bowl them over
with all the detail you can possibly muster up.  And if you find they're
asking for similar information every time, perhaps including that information
in the initial application would negate the need for a clarification.

Bottom line -  you have to type a lot.  Sorry.


> * Why do we have to submit to the equivalent of an IP anal probe, and
>   cough up extremely detailed documentation on network architectures and
>   the use of every IP address.

I think this goes without saying.  How else can the Internet community be
assurred of efficient address space utilization on both a local and global
level ?  If you can't justify the need for IP space, no soup for you.  It's
inconvenient, but it has to be done to ensure proper utilization.


> * Why any of this "police state" is necessary given that the shortage of
>   IPv4 addresses seems to be artifically created. There are still tons of
>   IP addresses that are either unallocated, unreasonably allocated (hey
>   Merit, lets see your documentation on 35.0.0.0/8 :P), or long dead and
>   never reclaimed. Only 32% of the available IPv4 space is being
>   announced, where is the shortage?

See above - if there wasn't the policing in place, you wouldn't be asking this
question.  The shortage isn't the reason for ARIN's policies.  Ongoing
scalability and sustainability from local accountability and adherence to good
practice is.


> * Why do we have to pay very large sums of money ($2500+ per year at a
>   minimum) for this wonderful IP policing service. Where in the heck does
>   all that money go?

The flaming pitchforks ? :)


> * Why does ARIN have no problem assigning large blocks of unallocated
>   space (usually 2x or more) around a new "customer" to accomodate for
>   future growth, but have policies preventing ISPs from doing the same
>   (aka 80% utilization for more space).

Because they need to give them something to start off with, then adjust future
allocations based on their growth.

Networks who have demonstrated the need for a certain size block will get that
size block based on past usage.  If their utilization increases, they may have
to apply early.  In doing so, they may demonstrate that a larger block is
needed this time.  How's that for a benefit.


> * Etc etc etc, not counting the problems that have already been mentioned.
>
> Yes, if you take the time to try and figure out what goes on inside the
> minds of ARIN, you'll find that some of the people actually do try to be
> useful human beings. But most of us don't have the time or desire to do
> that, we just want a system that works. I don't think the current system
> meets anyone's standard for useful, efficient, or cost effective.

There is no such thing as a shortage of time, only a shortage of priority.
Giving ARIN what they want takes time and can be a pain in the nether regions,
but it is a necessary evil.  The system works if you take the time and
attention to make it work for you.


Andrea Abrahamsen
Software Engineer, Intelligent Network Services
Cisco Systems