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RSSAC Statement on
Identification of Root Server OperatorsDraft Public Technical Identifiers (PTI) FY21-24 Strategic Plan (R1)
| Date Issued | Document | Reference ID | Current Phase | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RSSAC Statement on Identification of Root Server OperatorsDraft Public Technical Identifiers (PTI) FY21-24 Strategic Plan (R1) | RSSAC050RSSAC051 |
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Description:
As described in RSSAC023 (History of the Root Server System), the organizations operating root servers and the way in which they are identified have evolved over time. As capacity demands grew, new operators and new root servers were added. In 1995, to accommodate further growth, a consistent nomenclature was adopted, which remains in use today. For example, Verisign currently operates a.root-servers.net, which has the IPv4 address 198.41.0.4 and IPv6 address 2001:503:ba3e::2:30.An outcome of the 1995-era growth is that it became common to refer to root server operators (RSOs) with “letters” (i.e., the leftmost label in the host name) and more commonly as abbreviated identifiers (e.g., C-root, F-root). However, the use of letters as metonyms for operators over the years has led to misconceptions within the global community in how root servers are architected, and contributed to a lack of clarity around the organizations responsible for providing the service.
Per the ICANN Bylaws, the role of the RSSAC, “is to advise the ICANN community and Board on matters relating to the operation, administration, security, and integrity of the Internet’s Root Server System.”
The RSSAC limits its comments to its remit. With that in mind, the RSSAC supports the following five strategic objectives outlined on the draft strategic plan:
- Maintain stakeholders’s trust that IANA is the proper home for enabling global interoperability through unique identifier coordination.
- Monitor and adapt to security threats and ensure resilient and secure IANA operations.
- Continue to drive the implementation of operational initiatives to enhance the delivery of services based on the needs of the IANA customer.
- Monitor the delivery and performance of the IANA functions to achieve operational excellence.
- Support ICANN org on its governance efforts to sustain and improve openness, inclusivity, accountability, and transparency.
In particular, RSSAC welcomes the following goal on the strategic plan as it aligns with RSSAC046: RSSAC Statement on IANA’s Proposal for Future Root Zone KSK Rollovers.
“2.2. Performing key ceremonies with high levels of transparency and accountability and improving key management facilities to mitigate security threats and maintain facility quality”
STATUS UPDATES
| Date | Phase | Type | Status Updates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closed | Phase Change | This Advice Item is now Closed |
| Phase 2 | AP Feedback | ICANN received confirmation of Understanding from the RSSAC. |
| Phase 2 | Board Understanding | The ICANN organization understands this is the RSSAC’s comment on RSSAC051: RSSAC Statement on Draft Public Technical Identifiers (PTI) FY21-24 Strategic Plan. The respective public comment period closed on 01 June 2020. A Report of Public Comments will be published on 15 June 2020 and this comment will be included in that consideration (https://www.icann.org/public-comments/draft-pti-fy21-24-strategic-plan-2020-04-20-en). There is no action for the ICANN Board. |
| Phase 2 | Phase Update | Understanding sent to RSSAC for review. |
| Phase 2 | Phase Change | Now in Phase 2: Understand |
| Phase 1 | Phase Update | ICANN acknowledged receipt of Advice. |
| Phase 1 | Phase Update | RSSAC published RSSAC051: RSSAC Statement on Draft Public Technical Identifiers (PTI) FY21-24 Strategic Plan Link: https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/rssac-051-02jun20-en.pdf. |
STATUS UPDATES
| Date | Phase | Type | Status Updates
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