The internet will soon run out of usable IP addresses. We’ve been using IPv4 or Internet Protocol version 4 since its inception in 1981 and not much has changed. IPv4 is only capable of providing 4.3 billion addresses because of its 32-bit address space. Prior to the 1990s, internet accessed was done via dial up modems. Now with the popularity and rapid use of always-on connections, address consumption has increased. With PCs, smartphones, tablets and everything that connects to that internet, it is inevitable that the usable addresses will dry out. As such, using IPv6 is a necessity to keep the internet running and growing.
What is IPv6?
IPv6 or Internet Protocol Version 6 is the next generation protocol for the Internet. It’s designed to provide several advantages over current Internet Protocol Version 4 (or IPv4). IPv6 isn’t just a simple switch that you enable in your IPv4 devices. These two are considered separate networks with separate protocol stacks. For the most part, they are largely incompatible at the packet level.
IPv6 uses 128-bit IP addresses compared to IPv4’s 32 bit. IPv4 is like the grains of sand in a sandbox while IPv6 is like the grains of sand on all of the beaches all over the world. The number of addresses IPv6 is capable of providing will be sufficient enough for internet use in a very long time.
The additional pool of IP addresses will also eliminate the need for NAT or Network Address Translation. With IPv6, every device can have its own unique public IP address. The usual setup for home and businesses relies on the router which connects to the internet. The router then issues an internal IP address to each device and constantly tracks the traffic in order to facilitate communications with the internet. With IPv6, all devices will be accessible in the public network, making it easier for people to manage things such as file sharing, online gaming and peer-to-peer programs without setting up their router.
Do You Need to Switch?
The change will be largely invisible to most computer users. Since IPv6 will largely happen behind the scenes, you will not have to learn anything new to adapt to this switch. You won’t even have to get new hardware since most devices are already IPv6 compatible.
However, for backend providers, problems will be encountered sooner or later, since IPv4 and IPv6 are not backwards compatible. IPv4 hosts and routers will not be able to deal directly with IPv6 traffic and vice versa. As such there will be software and hardware changes to be implanted in order for the transition to not affect website operations.
ACP’s IPV6 Roadmap*
ACP is always in the forefront of ICT, as such we are always in the loop for any technological hurdles such as IPv6 transitions.
ACP had gone through the IPV6 roadmap and now on its final stage. ACP had raised awareness regarding the positive side of IPv6 deployment and showed our market the efficacy of this deployment. Also, ACP ensured that the software capabilities are already on par with the IPv6’s necessary requirements and must haves. Furthermore, ACP’s experienced staff and technical team are currently in the loop regarding the processes and steps in ensuring our skills are more than sufficient to bring IPv6 to everyone. As such, the company has finished the project plan for IPv6 adoption resulting in a quick and hassle free transition. Lastly, the hardware side is moving forward with its equipment upgrades and refresh resulting in a transition free IPv6 switch.
*Terms and Conditions apply. Please email [email protected] for more information.