Taking the Next Step

No one knows exactly when the IPv4 address pool will be fully depleted, but current estimates point to 2011. After this date, the lack of available IPv4 addresses may affect network growth, though the IPv4 Internet will continue to operate. The adoption of IPv6 offers a solution to IPv4 exhaustion; achieving the successful global deployment of IPv6 will require:

• Network operators and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) investing in IPv6-enabled networks and ensuring their customers can access other IPv6 networks
• Hardware vendors ensuring their products are IPv6 compatible
• Software producers ensuring that their software is IPv6 compliant.

Start Planning for IPv6 Deployment Today

Assess Your Needs: Your deployment plan should address the specific needs of your organization and customers. A "dual stack" approach, where your network and services support both IPv4 and IPv6, is likely to be a key element of your deployment strategy.

Set a Timetable: Factor IPv6 deployment into your current IT upgrade cycle. Actively engage your vendors and suppliers and ensure they are aware of your needs. By making clear your intentions in advance, you can encourage your suppliers to offer IPv6-enabled products and services, or give yourself time to find competitive suppliers who have incorporated IPv6 compatibility.

Apply For IPv6 Addresses: Get IPv6 address space for your network. Contact your RIR or upstream provider to find out more about how to get Internet number resources and gain access to tools to effectively manage them.

Implementation

• IPv6 Transit/Tunneling:
  Because there is no way for IPv4-only and IPv6-only networks to communicate directly with each other, various technologies exist to guarantee interoperability. You may also need to access an IPv6 transit exchange. Check with your ISP or an Internet Exchange (IX) in your region.
  
  
• Website Content:
  Access to web servers, both internal- and external-facing, need support for both IPv4 and IPv6 connections. Take the opportunity to showcase your IPv6 availability and secure a competitive advantage.
  
  
• Upgrade Your Infrastructure:
  Ensure your IPv6 DNS services are in place and functioning correctly. Your DNS server should be accessible over both IPv4 and IPv6. Review your internal address management systems and customer-facing provisioning systems and update as necessary.