The Value of IPv6
IPv6 expands the number of network address bits from 32 bits (in IPv4) to 128 bits, which provides more than enough globally unique IP addresses for every networked device on the planet.
However, it's not just about addressing. It's about business continuity and innovation. The unlimited address space provided by IPv6 will allows us to deliver more and newer applications and services with reliability, improved user experience and increased security. These might include:
- Multiple internet-enabled mobile devices for every person on the planet
- Billions of embedded sensors using technologies such as RFID, IEEE 802.15.4, and Personal Area Networks
- Home and industrial appliances
- Smart grids
Organizations which choose to react to address exhaustion will find their customer base shrinking. It will be more difficult to innovate and more resources will be needed to sustain IPv4 investments. It's best to be proactive.
Everyone has a different reason to adopt IPv6:
| IPv6 Adopter | Purpose | Typical Industry |
|---|---|---|
| Mandated | Meet regulations, compete in the global market, and ensure service availability | Public Sector |
| Motivated | Serve customers needing IPv6 access; deal with address exhaustion, globalization, and device proliferation | Service Providers |
| Early Adopter | Deal with address exhaustion, establish competitive differentiation | Utilities (smart grid) and mobile service providers |
| Mainstream | Business continuity, maintain customer reach, protect investments | Large enterprises, smaller business |
The Vision and the Plan
No matter what, you need a plan for IPv6. If you are not sure where to start, Cisco Services can guide you through our successful, proven process. They can help answer questions such as:
- How do I know if my organization really needs IPv6?
- How do I find out if my network is ready for IPv6?
- How do I get IPv6 addresses, and who provides them?
- How do I deploy IPv6 without disrupting my business?
Cisco is using a "preserve, prepare, and prosper" approach for enterprises, small business, and service providers.
- Preserve
Retain your current IPv4 assets as you assess your needs and evaluate your readiness for transition to IPv6. - Prepare
Position yourself for new new growth with architectural designs, IPv6-ready technology solutions, and certifications. Create designs that don't disrupt your existing IPv4 network. - Prosper
Cisco helps your organization maintain business continuity while expanding innovation and global reach. By opening markets that were once inaccessible—whether micro-loans made by mobile phone to small businesses in third world countries, or reaching new business partners in China, or educational organizations reaching out to students across continents—IPv6 allows for continued growth.
Learn About Cisco Services for IPv6
Journals and Case Studies
IPv6 Featured in IPJ
The March 2011 issue of the Internet Protocol Journal delivers in-depth coverage of IPv6, including translation framework.
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Learn About GrangeNet
Australia's first native IPv6 network promotes next-generation Internet applications on a Cisco network infrastructure.
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