In February 2010, the last batches of IPv4 addresses were handed out, which means the transition to IPv6 is underway.
Moving from the old 32-bit IP address protocol (4.3 billion possible addresses) to the new 128-bit address protocol (which make for a vastly huge number of addresses) is a challenge – especially since one variety of IP address cannot talk directly to the other (i.e., computers on each of the two address schemes cannot directly communicate with each other even if they are on the same network).
The current wave of Internet growth is not constrained to the conventional use models that we are familiar with: client / server and peer-to-peer applications such as web, email, ecommerce, VoIP, etc. Emerging technology and markets are increasing the demand for unique addresses, far beyond the capacity of the legacy IP address space. This demand also represents a huge opportunity: much of the demand is from new markets in Asia or new applications tied to smart phones and other smart devices.
Because the two addressing schemes are not compatible, content and service providers need to extend their reach into the new address space to access this growing market either by incorporating IPv6 into their existing infrastructure or by relying on gateways to map their old IP addresses to new IPv6 addresses. In most situations, the only way to do this is by implementing IPv6 services.
We at AIS understand the strategic need for implementing IPv6 – and sooner rather than later. While most service providers are still formulating their IPv6 implementation plans, we already did it long ago. AIS can provide clients with every level of support they might need to become IPv6 connected – from design to implementation to IPv6 peering.
If you would like to discuss IPv6 and what it means to your organization, give us a call or email us. Our engineering experts are ready to help.
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