Re: Last Call: <draft-iab-2870bis-01.txt> (DNS Root Name Service Protocol and Deployment Requirements) to Best Current Practice

[David Conrad <[e-mail]>]

Carlos,

On May 30, 2014, at 8:56 AM, Carlos M. Martinez <[e-mail]> wrote:
> If you
> agree to provide a service that the whole internet depends on, then you
> need to comply with a few requirements.

That might be nice, but that isn't how the root server system works.

The root server operators provide a voluntary service for their own reasons using their own resources. History has shown that no one other than the folks that pay to root server operators' bills gets to impose requirements on how that service is provided. The IETF, IESG, IAB, ICANN, and/or random people off the street can make suggestions on how that service can be provided, but there should be no illusions about whether those suggestions are going to be followed.

> If you can't / won't, well... you can opt out.

Ignoring for the moment the fact that there still is no succession plan if a root server actually were to opt out, there simply is no incentive for a root server operator to opt out. As such, suggesting that as an option is ... of debatable value.

> But past failures in enforcement
> should not deter the IETF of setting the requirements the IETF deems
> necessary for the correct operation of the Internet.

I guess I just don't see the point. I suppose it doesn't really do any harm, but as Patrik states, it isn't going to have any impact so why bother? 

Regards,
-drc