3. IP address allocation
In this section, IP address allocation is explained. As this procedure
may be updated, please get the newest document when you apply for it.
Refer to JPNIC FAQ, Q1/A1 in section 14 for the way to get documents.
3.1 A guideline for IP address allocation
IP addresses are assigned to computers, that belong to networks
based on TCP/IP protocol.
JPNIC allocates and maintains IP addresses of computers within Japan.
The IP addresses are internationally guaranteed and this is done with the
collaboration of Internet Network Information Center (InterNIC) and Asia
Pacific Network Information Center (APNIC). It also handles, adjusts
information that are necessary for IP address administration and provides
information services to the network users.
The networks that are inside Japan, apply to JPNIC for IP address
allocation. As a rule, application for IP address allocation can not be
directly made to InterNIC. However, if the network is in more than one
country, then it might become necessary to apply to APNIC, which is the NIC
of the Asia Pacific region.
IP addresses are allocated to the organizations that administrate computer
networks based on TCP/IP protocol. Here organization means a group with
a person who is in charge of the group. Therefore, the definition of
organization in case of JP domain name allocation may not be the same as
it is for IP address allocation. If an organization is administrating
computer networks that are inside Japan, application for IP address
allocation can be made from anywhere.
3.2 Limitation of IP address
IP address is managed internationally and the resource is finite.
Therefore, application for IP addresses that are not really essential
should be restrained. Please return the IP addresses that are not in use
to JPNIC.
3.3 IP address classes
IP addresses are represented as four decimal integers separated by decimal
points, where each integer gives the value of one octet of the IP address.
Normally each IP address contains a network part and a host part.
Depending on the left most octet, the address can be categorized in 5
classes and they are given below.
Type Value of left most octet
Class A 1 -- 127
Class B 128 -- 191
Class C 192 -- 223
Class D 224 -- 239
Class E 240 -- 255
The network parts of IP addresses that are in class A are of one octet.
For example the IP address 1.2.3.4 means that the network part is 1 and
the host part is 2.3.4. Class A address can connect almost 17,000,000
(2 to the power 24 -2) machines.
The network parts of Class B addresses are of 2 octet. Around 6500
(2 to the power 16 - 2) machines can be connected to a Class B address.
The network parts of Class C addresses are of 3 octet. Two hundred and
fifty four (2 to the power eight - 2) machines can be connected to a
Class C address.
Class D and Class E addresses are used for special purposes (see RFC1166,
you can get it via ftp.nic.ad.jp, please refer sec.13 ).
The applicants should consider about the future developments and apply
for the required address Class. More than 70% of the Class B addresses
has already been allocated as of April 94, and only a small number of
addresses are left. It is strongly recommended, that instead of applying
for a Class B address, the applicant should apply for a number of Class C
addresses.
JPNIC administrates Class C addresses with the cooperation of InterNIC/APNIC
and allocates network part. The applicant administrate the host part of
the allocated IP address. In case of a Class B address, the application
should be directed JPNIC. JPNIC screens the documents, and if it finds that
the application is appropriate then it forwards the application to InterNIC
via APNIC. The final decision is taken by IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers
Authority).
3.4 Internet and IP network structure
Due to the rapid growth of the Internet, in order to maintain mutual
connectivity with public Internet there are opinions that IP addresses
should be unique. On the other hand, there are opinions that while
allocating IP address, the route should be considered in order to manage
it easily.
However, on the other hand, there is a growing demand for networks
based on TCP/IP.
There exist a number of address allocation schemes based on these ideas.
Globally unique addresses are not necessary for networks that are not
externally connected and addresses are reserved for these kind of networks
(see RFC1597, you can get it via ftp.nic.ad.jp, please refer sec.13).
The steps are described in the above mentioned document. Although this
address is not the subject of RIP on the Internet, it can be freely used
without performing the registration to JPNIC.
In case of a globally unique address (global address), the application
procedure is given below.
3.5 Application procedure
3.5.1 IP address allocation through provider
JPNIC allocates a part of IP addresses to the provider of the Internet
connections. IP addresses can be availed through these providers.
IIJ, SPIN, InfoWeb, WIDE, IMnet and MESH project are in charge as of
February 1995. If the applicant wants to connect to these projects, then
the allocation will be from the address blocks for which the project is
authorized. The requirements for obtaining a address from a provider is
the same as it is with JPNIC.
If the applicant has already obtained address from JPNIC but the routing
information regarding that address is not announced then the applicant
can obtain class C address from a provider. Not only that, address can be
obtained from a provider on the condition that the present address is
going to be returned.
Although, it is not necessary to return the allocated address to the
provider, in case the address is disconnected from the provider and another
address is to be obtained from a different provider, then one of the
following methods should be followed.
1. Return the previous address and obtain another address from
a different provider.
2. A Class C address can be obtained from another provider on the
condition that the previous address is not going to be announced
to the Internet.
Even if the application is directed to JPNIC, if it is found that
the applicant has a plan to connect to the above mentioned projects
then the application will be redirected to the person who is in charge
of that project.
3.5.2 Allocation from JPNIC
If the above mentioned 3.4 and 3.5.1 are not applicable and it becomes
necessary to apply to JPNIC, then the applicant should follow the
directions given in the enclosed application form (see sec.14, Q1/A1),
and the administrative contact should take the responsibility to fill out
the same.
The allocation is based on RFC1466. Hence, as a rule, the number of
expected hosts for the next two years is divided by 256 and the number
of allocation to be made is the round up number of the division result.
However, this kind of allocation may cause harm to the network architecture.
In that case the minimum number of required address can be obtained by
mentioning a subnetwork in the application form.
In case of sending the application by post, please fill out the form by
a word processor. Technical contact should correspond to JPNIC regarding
the application, and after the IP address is allocated, they should
administrate the same.
Application can be send either by e-mail or by post. In order to reduce
the work-load of the JPNIC secretariat, the applicants are requested to
send their application by e-mail. If the technical staff doesn't have
access to e-mail, then someone who has access to e-mail can act as an
intermediary for introducing the applicant. It should be noted, that
JPNIC does not accept applications by fax.
As a rule, correspondence from JPNIC to technical contacts(in case of
an intermediary, from now on the intermediary and the applicant will be
referred as the applicant) can be done in the same way as explained above.
The e-mail address for application is apply@ip.nic.ad.jp. In case of
using postal service, please write down " IP address allocation" on the
envelope, enclose two self-addressed envelopes with postal stamp.
The application should be directed to JPNIC secretariat IP address
allocation group. The self-addressed envelopes will be used to inform
the applicant about the acceptance of the application and the allocation
of IP address.
JPNIC screens the application and informs the applicant about the
approval/disapproval of the application within ten days.
If the application is approved, JPNIC sends a number to the applicant.
The applicant should use the number for any enquiry regarding the
application. In case of enquiring by e-mail, the number should be written
on the subject field as given below.
Subject: question on XXX XXX XXX (IP-940601)
If the number of addresses requested do not exceed the criterion fixed
by JPNIC, then the IP addresses will be allocated within ten days from
the acceptance of the application and the applicant will be informed
about it. However, if there is a delay for allocating address blocks to
JPNIC from InterNIC/APNIC then there may be a delay in allocating the
addresses. In that case JPNIC will inform the applicant about the status
within ten days.
In case of application via postal service, application for Class B
addresses and application where JPNIC can not make the allocation, the
above does not apply.
If the application cross the limit, then JPNIC decides whether to
allocate the addresses that have crossed the limit through discussions.
Excluding the information related to number of hosts, number of subnetworks,
connection to Internet; JPNIC and InterNIC will treat all the other
information filled out by the applicant as a public information. However,
other applicants can not avail these information without the permission
of the original applicant. The present or estimated number of hosts and
subnetworks filled by the applicant in the application form should be
appropriate. JPNIC may cancel the allocation if it is found that there are
wrong information in the application.
If an organization has already received addresses and wants to apply
for more addresses, then the previously allocated addresses should be
written in the application form. In this case, the previously allocated
addresses will be neglected and based on the allocation criterion,
the number of previously allocated address will be subtracted from the
number of allocable addresses and the remaining number of addresses will
be allocated. Based on the allocation criterion, serial addresses can be
availed by returning the old addresses.
3.6 Change in the application, cancellation
If the applicant wants to change something in the application form or
in case of a cancellation, the applicant is requested to contact JPNIC
immediately. The procedure for changing, cancelling application before
the allocation of IP addresses is the same as that of the application
procedure. However, the number given by JPNIC to the applicant should be
written in the application.
3.7 Enquiries
Enquiries related to IP address allocation and administration can be send
to JPNIC via e-mail (query@ip.nic.ad.jp), post or by fax (03-5684-7256).
For enquiries that are related to application, please write down the
number given by JPNIC. FAX should be directed to the IP address allocation
group of JPNIC.