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IPv6 is expected to gradually replace IPv4, with the two coexisting for a number of years during a transition period. Benefits of IPv6 IPv6 can provide many benefits beyond providing an IPv6 internet presence. For example, IPv6 greatly expands the number of IP addresses that organisations can assign, enabling IP addressing of a range of devices (for example, everything from roadway sensors to home refrigerators). This expanded addressability, along with IPv6's auto configuration ("plug and play") and efficient routing to mobile devices, makes possible a new class of ad hoc, always-connected applications that can help organisations save time and money. These key features of IPv6 will help broaden the possibilities for automation and rapid response times as applications evolve. Organisations should consider exploiting these benefits to gain full advantage from IPv6. Uptake of IPv6 A recent survey by BT found that only 10% of respondents are currently deploying or have deployed IPv6. An additional 15% of respondents plan to deploy IPv6 within the next two years. The chart below presents the survey responses. 
Future of IPv6 Diminishing IPv4 address capacity may drive organisations to implement IPv6 within the next five years. IPv4 address availability is steadily eroding as more organisations obtain IP space for an internet presence, and as service providers' IP-based broadband and wireless service offerings flourish. Eventually, there will be no more IPv4 address space to allocate. All regional internet registries have issued public notifications that no further IPv4 address space will be available within a few years. Some organisations assume that this lack of IPv4 address space will have no impact on them, especially if they have adequate IPv4 address space for the foreseeable future. But when IPv4 address space is no longer available, new and growing organisations will deploy IPv6. As the base of IPv6-only organisations grows, the need to enable IPv6-only users to access information on IPv4-only networks will grow. Websites that provide information or sell products or services will need to offer access for both IPv4 and IPv6 users. E-mail servers and other internet-facing applications will likewise need dual-protocol accessibility, which will ultimately drive many organisations to deploy IPv6, even if only for internet presence initially. Managing the transition - BT Diamond IP How to make a smooth transition during a lengthy coexistence of IPv4 and IPv6 is a challenge. BT Diamond IP can help organisations manage their IP addresses judiciously during the transition process with IPControl, an advanced, centralised, IP address management system that facilitates a planned and phased migration to a dual IPv4/IPv6 network and ultimately to a fully deployed and managed IPv6 network. BT Diamond IP network professionals can also work with IT organisations to identify address space and associated DNS and DHCP requirements. For further information, please visit the BT Diamond IP website, contact your account manager or send us an e-mail. |
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