RFC 1174 (rfc1174) - Page 2 of 9
IAB recommended policy on distributing internet identifier assignment and IAB recommended policy change to internet "connected" status
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
RFC 1174 Identifier Assignment and Connected Status August 1990
suggestion that any registered network may be entered into the DNS
database without regard to connected status.
1. Recommendation about Internet Identifiers
To: Chairman, Federal Networking Council
From: Chairman, Internet Activities Board
CC: IAB, IESG
Subject: Recommended Policy on Distributing Internet
Identifier Assignment
1.1. Summary
This document recommends procedures for distributing assignment of
Internet identifiers (network and autonomous system numbers).
1.2. Introduction
Throughout its entire history, the Internet system has employed a
central Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) for the allocation
and assignment of various numeric identifiers needed for the
operation of the Internet. The IANA function is performed by USC
Information Sciences Institute. The IANA has the discretionary
authority to delegate portions of this responsibility and, with
respect to numeric network and autonomous system identifiers, has
lodged this responsibility with an Internet Registry (IR). This
function is performed by SRI International at its Network Information
Center (DDN-NIC).
With the rapid escalation of the number of networks in the Internet
and its concurrent internationalization, it is timely to consider
further delegation of assignment and registration authority on an
international basis. It is also essential to take into consideration
that such identifiers, particularly network identifiers of class A
and B type, will become an increasingly scarce commodity whose
allocation must be handled with thoughtful care.
1.3. Proposed Method of Operation
It is proposed to retain the centralized IANA and IR functions.
The IR would continue to be the principal registry for all network
and autonomous system numbers. It would also continue to maintain
the list of root Domain Name System servers and a database of
registered nets and autonomous systems.
In addition, however, the IR would also allocate to organizations
approved by the Coordinating Committee for Intercontinental Research
Cerf