Open Question About AS Number assignments...
I was noticing that larger backbone providers, who have merged with other large backbone providers, seem to keep both AS numbers. Let's take Verio as a example, though Verio is only one of many who have multiple AS numbers. Verio has 8 AS numbers, AS 93, 97, 114, 275, 280, 253, 1225 and 2914. I noticed that there are no IP routes associated with 6 of the 8 AS numbers and that only AS 97 & AS 2914 has any IP routes. My questions are: 1) Is there a easy mechnisim to give back AS numbers to the ARIN? 2) Would ARIN even reallocate those AS numbers to new requesters? 3) Could those AS numbers be transfered over to new organizations? 4) Is there a advantage for a organzation to have multiple AS numbers? 5) Is there a advantage to having a lower AS number? Thanks!
On Sun, Jul 09, 2000 at 07:58:50PM -0700, Aaron Moreau-Cook wrote:
I was noticing that larger backbone providers, who have merged with other large backbone providers, seem to keep both AS numbers. Let's take Verio as a example, though Verio is only one of many who have multiple AS numbers. Verio has 8 AS numbers, AS 93, 97, 114, 275, 280, 253, 1225 and 2914.
I noticed that there are no IP routes associated with 6 of the 8 AS numbers and that only AS 97 & AS 2914 has any IP routes.
My questions are:
1) Is there a easy mechnisim to give back AS numbers to the ARIN?
It is possible. As far as procedure, I'm not certain as I've never done it..
2) Would ARIN even reallocate those AS numbers to new requesters?
Probably but it would make sense for them to hold them for a while to make sure the previous user was "forgotten"
3) Could those AS numbers be transfered over to new organizations?
Happens all the time.
4) Is there a advantage for a organzation to have multiple AS numbers?
Yes. Global networks often use multiple ASNs as a visible confederation. It makes an easy way to seperate regions of the globe from one another. Especially if the different regions have (either by choice, perversion, or necessity) different administrative policy. Also usefull if the ASN is used for interal purposes. (EG, providing BGP routes to a real-time lab etc where propegation might be necessary from time to time thus rendering a private ASN unsuitable.)
5) Is there a advantage to having a lower AS number?
Technically, no. However, you don't see any major provider operating with a 5 digit ASN do you? Its just not cool.. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Wayne Bouchard [Immagine Your ] web@typo.org [Company Name Here] Network Engineer http://www.typo.org/~web/resume.html ----------------------------------------------------------------------
1) Is there a easy mechnisim to give back AS numbers to the ARIN?
Extremely easy, yes. One quick template.
2) Would ARIN even reallocate those AS numbers to new requesters?
Depends on the circumstances. I believe ARIN would need the returning organization's permission to re-allocate the returned ASes prior to one year or so.
3) Could those AS numbers be transfered over to new organizations?
ARIN doesn't allow others to act as registrars. Unless there is a merger or acquisition type activity, neither address space nor ASes may be transferred.
4) Is there a advantage for a organzation to have multiple AS numbers?
I'll let the big boys speak to that.
5) Is there a advantage to having a lower AS number?
Some network operators measure the size of their, um, "networks", by the lowness of their primary AS (Scott Marcus-envy). :> /david (just some schmo who barely even represents himself, much less others)
Hello Aaron, |1) Is there a easy mechnisim to give back AS numbers to the ARIN? AS numbers may be returned to ARIN using the modification template: http://www.arin.net/regserv/templates/modifytemplate.txt |2) Would ARIN even reallocate those AS numbers to new requesters? ARIN makes AS number assignments from their current block, as issued to them by the IANA. It is not often an AS number is returned. When an AS number is returned, it is logged, but not made available for immediate re-issue. |3) Could those AS numbers be transfered over to new organizations? ARIN's policies and guidelines for transferring AS numbers can be found at http://www.arin.net/regserv/transfer.html Regards, Richard Jimmerson American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN)
participants (4)
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Aaron Moreau-Cook -
David R Huberman -
Richard Jimmerson -
Wayne Bouchard