It is short-sighted to insist that currently separate IP networks will never interoperate directly as part of the "BIG I" Internet. 

Given the flux in corporate structures, functions, and ownership, anyone with at least an ounce of forward vision will design, construct and operate every network using globally unique IP addressing. This makes the boundary condition changes less traumatic, reduces renumbering expenses, and frees the network operators (NANOG-on-topic!) to manage their ever changing network in an efficient and cost-effective manner. 

IPv6 is an obvious source of sufficient IP addresses to meet needs for the next decade or two. If there are certain problems with IPv6 allocations now, please offer constructive suggestions regarding corrections and improvements.  NANOG may be a good forum for eventual input to ARIN, et alia.

Regards.

        Cutler

From: Crist Clark <crist.clark@globalstar.com>
Subject: Re: IPv6 news
To: Michael.Dillon@btradianz.com
<snip/>
Michael.Dillon@btradianz.com wrote:
<snip/>
IP addresses were established as part of the development
of a networking protocol called the Internet Protocol,
or IP for short. This protocol was designed to allow
many independent networks to interconnect or internetwork
and exchange traffic. In order for such internetworks
to work they need to be allocated unique IP addresses.
The prerequisite for receiving globally unique IP
addresses is that you have to be using IP technology
and have a need to internetwork with other networks.
There are several such IP internetworks that are
entirely separate from the public (big I) Internet.
That's where the other addresses are used and their
usage is growing at about the same rate as Internet
usage is growing.

While I do not necessarily disagree with this point of view (as I work
for a company who uses allocated space in such a manner), others may
argue that addresses that are assigned through the Internet Assigned
Numbers Authority (that's Internet with the "I") are meant for Internet,
with an "I," use. As it says at the top of their web page, "Dedicated
to preserving the central coordinating functions of the global Internet
for the public good." Note, "global Internet."

ObOnSubject: Of course, getting PI space for non-global Internet use
is one of the big problems with current IPv6 allocation policy that
make it difficult to start building private IPv6 networks now.
--
Crist J. Clark                               crist.clark@globalstar.com
Globalstar Communications                                (408) 933-4387

-
James R. Cutler
james.cutler@consultant.com