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Protocols relating to the allocation of IP addresses

1.0 Introduction

ITS Network Infrastructure Services (NIS) governs the distribution of Internet Protocol (IPv4 and IPv6) address space. As such, NIS is responsible for the allocation assignment and reclaiming of IP addresses for the Monash University community.

2.0 Purpose

To clarify any concerns key stakeholders may have when IP addresses has been allocated for use within the Monash University ICT space.

This will ensure key stakeholders are fully aware of the policy, which is required to be adhered to when utilising IP addresses allocated for usage within the Monash University network.

3.0 Audience

The following document will apply to key stakeholders within the Monash University community - IT Managers and departmental / faculty student and staff members.

4.0 Scope

This document details the management and allocation of all Monash University IP address space.

4.1 Key Stakeholders - General principles

  1. Clients should document in detail how and where the new allocation of IP address is to be used and are encouraged to include network diagrams
    1. NIS will provide a clear recommendation of the IP address space to be utilised
  2. At times clients may request a large block of IP address space, and then over time do not utilise what was originally allocated
    1. To maximise the lifetime of the IP address space, addresses will be distributed according to the clients need, and stockpiling of IP addresses will not be allowed
    2. NIS will complete an audit on the IP address space on a regular basis, however would appreciate being informed in advance if allocated IP address are not needed
    3. NIS will go through a process of reclaiming the IP address space. This may involve shrinking space already given, or moving clients out from the space they are not using, into space where they will be better allocated
    4. NIS will ensure all the relevant parties are notified and work in conjunction with Faculty IT Managers and Network Engineers to ensure a smooth transition in the allocation / reallocation of the IP address space

4.2 NIS Responsibilities - General principles

To ensure key stakeholders interests are taken into consideration when allocating IP addresses, NIS will:

  1. Provide a systematic and fair approach when allocating / distributing IP addresses to the clients
  2. Ensure adequate IP address spaces are available for all those requiring them in the future
  3. Total management of the IP addresses space
    1. Constant review and update of available IP addresses
  4. Due to the limited number of available IP Addresses, many factors will be considered in the determination of address space allocations. IP address spaces are allocated based on justified needs, not solely on a predicted client base
  5. NIS reserves the right to request written utilisation information or network diagrams for allocation of IP address spaces
  6. Determination of IP address allocation size is the responsibility of NIS
  7. NIS will conserve and hold a reserve pool of IP address space for future growth, which will benefit the Monash University community
  8. NIS is committed to always having IP address space available for their clients connecting to the Monash University network. For this reason, there needs to be a fair distribution, and clients cannot hold more IP address than they require
  9. NIS may invalidate any IP allocation if it determines that the requirement for the address space no longer exists. In the event of address space recall, NIS will work with Faculty IT Managers to ensure the addresses are being returned to the free pool IP address space