Summary

  • RWhois gets 365 days after ARIN releases a migration tool; Whois-RWS API retirement waits for parity, documentation and training.
  • ARIN will test RDAP advanced search and return Port 43 retirement to the community after agreed adoption and traffic milestones.

ARIN’s WHOIS retirement plan now has three exits and three different clocks. The 21 October consultation result puts RWhois behind a migration tool, Whois-RWS behind an API parity checklist, and Port 43 behind adoption milestones and another community consultation. (ARIN’s consultation outcome; original consultation plan)

The original proposal started with dates: outreach before the Whois-RWS API sunset, a migration tool and a proposed earliest date for RWhois, and a two-year Port 43 sunset window. Community feedback changed the sequence. ARIN now says it will retire RWhois 365 days after a migration tool becomes available. The tool release starts the clock; until then, that clock has no start date. (Original consultation plan; ARIN’s outcome)

Whois-RWS splits into two work items. Before deprecating its API, ARIN will fix remaining parity issues with RDAP and complete documentation and training improvements. The web interface replacement plan now includes a beta RDAP advanced-search tool so the community can test the new service and give feedback. Functionality and user guidance move to the front of the shutdown sequence. (ARIN’s outcome)

Port 43 has the loosest timetable because it carries a high volume of queries, according to ARIN. The organization will monitor RDAP adoption across commercial products and query traffic. When the community’s prerequisite milestones are reached, ARIN will bring Port 43 retirement back for consultation. The result gives no fixed Port 43 retirement date. (ARIN’s outcome; ARIN 58 meeting materials)

ARIN also promises direct outreach and education for current users before retiring any service. The service endpoint may change; the job users perform—finding registration data, moving reassignment records, or powering a tool—still has to work on the other side. The migration tool, beta search and parity work are the practical bridges.

The roadmap still points toward RDAP as ARIN’s standard directory service. What changed is the route: users get tools and milestones before protocols lose their place at the table.

Sources