Why is IPv6 important?

Put simply, it is no longer possible for the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) to allocate new network addresses under the old protocol running the Internet, IPv4. This does not mean the Internet itself is running out. It does however limit the applicability of all new installations. Many organisations have existing reserves of IPv4 space but the time will come when no new addresses can be assigned. Adoption of IPv6 needs to happen to allow the Internet to scale as it needs to, with each individual having many devices that require Internet access.

Further background information on IPv6 is available:

• Background to IPv6
• [Development Eye] IPv4 Exhaustion and the JANET Community
• [Janet News 17, p32-35] Spotlight on IPv6
• [Development Eye] 22,000 Users
• [Networkshop 2011 Presentation] Old Mother Hubb ard and the IP Address Cupboard

World IPv6 Launch

The 6th June 2012 saw the 'World IPv6 Launch', which followed on from last years  'World IPv6 day'.  Major ISPs, home networking equipment manufacturers, and web companies around the world came together to permanently enable IPv6 for their products and services by 6th June 2012. Janet, having been running IPv6 on the backbone since 2003, were listed as a participating network provider.

Janet’s policy on IPv6

The Janet backbone is fully enabled for IPv6.

Janet-connected organisations should prepare for the need to support IPv6 within their networking infrastructure. This should be done in the context of infrastructure procurement activities.

Regional and Campus Network Operators should make IPv6 support mandatory for any new networking infrastructure.

In both cases example text to use in procurement documentation is available; however, feel free to contact Janet for further advice and guidance.

There is also an IPv6 Fundamentals Training Course.

Extensive documentation is available in the form of technical guides, briefings for managers and others.

IPv6 users mailing list