Hi Geoff and all, (speaking for APNIC here) While policy changes are always possible, I'd like to point out that the terms "Allocation" and "Assignment" are well defined within the APNIC policy framework, and those definitions reflect meanings which have been fairly well agreed for some time (at least since the publication of RFC2050). The terms are very widely used throughout APNIC policy, training and other documentation, and in a manner which is consistent with the definitions. As for "Delegation", this term is used more loosely in various documents, and as a general term for transferring responsibility for address space, through *either* allocation or assignment. We sometimes use the word "distribution" with the same meaning. You can see RFC2050 for examples of both. Dictionary definitions are interesting, and while I would like as much consistency as possible with them, I'd also argue that these terms now have a life of their own and a legitimacy within our own specific context. Unless there is a very good reason to replace the term "allocate" with "delegate" as proposed, we should bear in mind that the cost of making this change would be very substantial, and may well outweigh the benefits. Regards, ________________________________________________________________________ Paul Wilson, Director-General, APNIC <dg@apnic.net> http://www.apnic.net ph/fx +61 7 3858 3100/99
-----Original Message----- From: owner-apnic-talk@lists.apnic.net [mailto:owner-apnic-talk@lists.apnic.net] On Behalf Of Geoff Huston Sent: Wednesday, June 12, 2002 10:03 PM To: Guy Davies; 'Nigel Titley'; Daniel Karrenberg Cc: Anne Lord; Joao Luis Silva Damas; ipv6-wg@ripe.net; lir-wg@ripe.net; db-wg@ripe.net; sig-db@lists.apnic.net; sig-policy@lists.apnic.net; apnic-talk@lists.apnic.net Subject: RE: [apnic-talk] Status field for inet6num objects
I tend to agree with Nigel, although I'd go for something even plainer like DELEGATED-TO-LIR and ASSIGNED-TO-END-USER (I know they're a bit verbose but they're absolutely clear ;-) It also makes clear that addresses assigned to an LIR in the role of END-USER are exactly that. That way, an individual who is struggling with English as a second language (or even their first language ;-) can be absolutely clear of the status of a range of addresses.
For me these two phrases, DELEGATED-TO-LIR and ASSIGNED-TO-END-USER, hit the spot precisely!
excellent suggestion Guy!
Is it appropriate to request consideration of these terms as replacements for ASSIGNED and ALLOCATED?
Geoff
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