1. Why Do We Need IPv6?
Internet protocol employs a series of hosts that collaborate to transmit data via the Internet. Devices connected to a network, whether a local area network (LAN) or the Internet itself, receive Internet protocol numbers—essentially a kind of virtual address that uniquely identifies each device.
In its current form, Internet protocol (IPv4) can accommodate four billion unique addresses. While that sounds substantial, the practical number of usable addresses is actually much lower. This restriction is quickly becoming an unacceptable burden for today’s applications. In fact, none of the information packets transmitted today are guaranteed to reach their specific destinations in original condition. To account for that shortcoming, other protocols are often simultaneously used to augment the transmission and ensure data integrity — often with limited success.
IPv6, on the other hand, would support unique addresses well beyond the trillions, two to the one-hundred twenty-eighth power. To get a sense of the actual amount, imagine a three with 39 zeroes behind it. IPv6 will not only eliminate the shortcomings of IPv4, but unlock new products and services that were previously unthinkable.
The appeal of an Internet protocol with essentially limitless addresses is that it will easily support the inevitable proliferation of personal wireless devices. Four billion addresses were once enough because they were intended for computers alone. Today, and in the years ahead, there will be dozens, if not hundreds of devices for each and every potential Internet user. That explosive growth demands the effectively incalculable depth of addresses only available from the improved Internet protocol, IPv6.
2. Why is IPv6 Critical to my Organization?
Organizations are turning to IPv6 to bolster their competitive position in the global marketplace. IPv6 will significantly improve capabilities in security, privacy, location-based services, networking, and mobility to open up new areas of business solutions that were previously impossible, and indeed allow the development of advanced applications that cannot yet even be imagined.
IPv6-enabled organizations will be able to support:
- Virtual Private Networks that keep information safe and secure no matter where the employee goes or what device they use for access.
- Customer Relationship Management systems that not only know who a customer is, but also where they are.
- Supply Chain Management systems that allow for easier integration and tracking of products throughout the world.
- Privacy policies that can be effectively enforced.
- Company networks that can safely and economically integrate phones, PDAs, and broadband to the home.
- Human relations systems that can safely leverage global workforces, work from home staffing, and ad-hoc teaming.
3. Where is IPv6 Currently Being Deployed?
Deployment is occurring rapidly in both Asia and Europe. The US has been slower to IPv6 adoption, but that is being quickly remedied by the recent mandates issued by The Department of Defense and Civilian agencies of the U.S. Federal Government that are requiring agency adoption of IPv6 by 2008.
4. Are any non-government entities currently integrating IPv6?
Governments are not the only ones racing to integrate IPv6. Private and public companies are spending millions to test and integrate IPv6 technologies. Some of these companies include HP, Cisco, Apple, IBM, Nokia, Sun Microsystems, Microsoft, Sony, British Telecom, NEC, Hitachi, Matsushita, and Juniper Networks.
5. Do any operating systems already support IPv6?
Most major operating systems already support IPv6, including recently launched Microsoft Vista, as well as popular business products including cameras, printers and cell phones.