IP addresses are provided to FlexNetworks from the Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) such as ARIN. In turn, FlexNetworks lends those IP addresses to our customers for use while connected to our network. The size of the IP address loan varies and is solely based on the continually demonstrated and documented need of the customer.

• FlexNetworks Default IPv4 Address Assignments   

The default IPv4 address allocation for all FlexIP dedicated Internet access customers is as follows:  

1. FlexNetworks assigns one (1) static Customer IP address (/30 subnet) to the Customer network interface as the default.  This interconnection is between the FlexNetworks’ router and Customer router and is referred to as the point-to-point IP subnet.

1. The option to support five (5) static Customer IP addresses (/29 subnet) for the point-to-point interface is available should the customer deem it necessary.  

1. The longest prefix permitted for the point-to-point interconnection between the FlexNetworks router and Customer router is a /28.  IPv4 prefixes larger than a /28 will be routed to the Customer’s network.

• Customers Requesting Larger IPv4 Addressing Allocations   

FlexNetworks assigns IPv4 addresses to customers based on IETF RFC7020, RFC6177, ARIN guidelines, and customer-supplied, detailed documented need.

FlexNetworks adheres to ARIN requirements for our allocation policies, and we must maintain documentation that demonstrates efficient IPv4 address utilization.  Efficient utilization is shown by collecting information from each customer on how they are implementing the IPv4 addressing resources on their network.  ARIN, and FlexNetworks, requires this detail for every assignment and allocation greater than a /29.

As a result, customers are required to provide the same information to FlexNetworks that FlexNetworks provides to ARIN.

Customers requesting IP address allocations greater than the above defaults, must demonstrate efficient usage of IP addresses by filling out an IP Justification (IPJ) form.  The IPJ needs to be filled out in its entirety, including the section devoted to the customer’s current IP assignments.

For IPv4 requests of a /27 (32 IPs) or larger, please contact your Account Executive.  Requests of this size are handled on a case-by-case basis, and will require extensive documentation, including network engineering plans.

• Resolver DNS   

FlexNetworks provides primary and secondary Doman Name Service (DNS) for resolver purposes only. DNS is the basic network service that translates host domain names into corresponding IP addresses, and vice-versa.

FlexNetworks runs the following Cloud DNS servers.  

dns1.cloudns.net

IPv4: 185.136.96.77

IPv6: 2a06:fb00:1::1:77

dns2.cloudns.net

IPv4: 185.136.97.77

IPv6: 2a06:fb00:1::2:77

Alternatively, Customers typically use 1.1.1.1, 8.8.8.8, and/or 8.8.4.4. as de facto resolvers.  

• Reverse DNS   

If requesting Reverse DNS for FlexNetworks IP Address space, these requests cannot be completed until FlexNetworks-provided IP addresses have been provisioned.  Customers are advised to email completed Reverse DNS requests or technical questions to provisioning@flexnetworks.ca.

• BGP

Multi-homed, multi-provider BGP requires that the Customer provide an ARIN-assigned IPv4 allocation of /24 or more in addition to having a public ASN.  However, if the Customer already has a /24 or more from the other provider with whom BGP will be run, then FlexNetworks will use that /24 or greater for the customer’s FlexNetworks service. 

FlexNetworks does not need to assign its own prefix if the end user already has adequate network resources. Customers do not need multiple /24 or more from each provider in order to participate in multi-vendor BGP sessions.

FlexNetworks will need a Letter of Authority (LOA) from the customer’s other provider permitting FlexNetworks to originate their IPv4 prefix.

• Network Interface Device (NID)

FlexNetworks provides a Network Interface Device (NID) for provisioning its services and the delivery of the UNI.  FlexNetworks will retain ownership and management responsibility for this NID.  As a result, the NID must only be used for delivering FlexNetworks services.

Customers have the following responsibilities related to the installation, support, and maintenance of the FlexIP Internet service:

1. Provide an operating environment with temperatures not below 10 degrees Celsius or above 40 degrees Celsius. Humidity shall not exceed eighty (80) percent at 10 degrees Celsius.
2. Provide Uninterruptible Power Supply AC power equipment.
3. Provide, install, and maintain a device that is capable of routing network traffic between the FlexIP Internet service and the customer’s network.
4. Provide access to the building and point of demarcation at each customer location to allow FlexNetworks and its approved Contractors access to each location for service and maintenance of FlexNetworks’ equipment and facilities.

• Physical Interface Types

1. Where the Customer UNI is 1 Gbps (1 GE), the following physical interface types are available

1. 1000Base T (RJ-45 Copper)
2. 1000Base SX-MMF (Gigabit Ethernet over multi-mode fiber)
3. 1000Base LX-SMF (Gigabit Ethernet over single-mode fiber)

1. Where the Customer UNI is 10 Gbps (1 0GE), the following physical interface types are available

1. 10GBase SR-MMF (10 Gigabit Ethernet over multi-mode fiber)
2. 10GBase LR-SMF (10 Gigabit Ethernet over multi-mode fiber)