IPv6 adoption: Challenges and Choices, and ipv6 adoption challenges

IPv6 adoption: Challenges and Choices, and ipv6 adoption challenges

Today, many enterprises have begun to adopt IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6th), and more countries are preparing to increase IPv6 traffic globally. As more and more devices connect to the Internet (such as smart cars, smart homes, and even smart cities), and the available IPv4 address pools quickly run out, today's network space has become more important than ever before. However, using NAT (Network Address Translation) as the coordinator between IPv4 and IPv6 hardware increases complexity and makes work more difficult.

Companies such as AT&T, Comcast, Facebook, Google, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless are gradually adapting to IPv6. However, it takes some time for all enterprises to achieve seamless migration.

Adapt to IPv6 challenges

Many people are arguing about which enterprise is most suitable for IPv4 and IPv6, and most of them focus on different network needs. However, most technologies have the same application in two versions, and the most prominent problem is security. Therefore, enterprises tend to adopt IPv6 because the Protocol considers security and does not require NAT (network address translation ). Most security issues are related to hardware, not protocols. Although most people are using IPv6, they also realize that IPv4 has overcome many vulnerabilities that IPv6 has not yet discovered and repaired. This process takes some time. In short, both Protocols have their own security issues and will continue to face challenges.

There are even more challenges than security issues. For example, how to promote the concept to enterprises is still the biggest obstacle for IPv6 adoption.

Sales Promotion Concept

Not every enterprise can immediately adapt to the new communication protocol, but they may have some problems that must be solved. In addition, because the entire network service cannot be replaced at one time, the IPv4 used may have to run with IPv6, so the daily operation cost of the Enterprise will increase.

Complexity

To smoothly transition IPv4 to IPv6, enterprises must audit, review, upgrade, reconfigure, and test their entire technical infrastructure. Everything from routers, servers to smartphones, PCs, laptops, and other networked devices needs to be upgraded to achieve this transformation. Even enterprise business processes and strategies must be changed. In addition, planning must be detailed to ensure that everyone in each department works towards the same goal.

Time and cost

It may take several years for an enterprise running a large network on IPv4 to complete the entire process. Given the nature and complexity of the adoption process, it will increase costs. In addition to the high cost required for upgrading hardware and software, timely migration during planning and execution is also a direct cost.

Training

Any conversion and transition are at risk and take some time. It can also be very error-prone before people get used to new systems and learn how to run them. Therefore, training the technical team responsible for the transition will become the top priority to avoid security mistakes, system downtime, and complex and disorganized network operations (especially when both IPv4 and IPv6 run.

Traditional hardware problems

When a conversion occurs, the connected device may need to configure the dual-Stack: IPv4 address and IPv6 address. Old devices that do not support IPv6 addresses may cause network communication problems and eventually become a burden.

Where is IPv6 today?

People may not realize that there are already more than 9 million domain names and more than 20% of the networks already use IPv6 connections. Many companies (such as Comcast, Verizon, and other cellular service providers) Use IPv6.

According to Google statistics, routes in 37 countries pass through IPv6 and the traffic exceeds 5%. Japan has already adopted IPv6 for all its three mobile networks, and has deployed more than 20% in India. According to market research, more than 2019 of users around the world will adopt IPv6 in 50%. The exact number is hard to determine because the data is scattered.

Google, Akamai, and APNIC all released their IPv6 traffic measurement results, but their methods and results are different. Google focuses on Cache and search engine results, Akamai focuses on TCP meetings, and APNIC focuses on online ads for inserting network objects. However, each method still quantifies IPv4 or IPv6 behavior and preferences. Ripe ncc performs different measurements through visual statistics. IPv6 has been used for many years, but many companies are not ready to make it a reality.

How should enterprises that cannot adapt immediately respond?

It can be obtained through market transfer. One approach is STLS (a designated Transfer Listing Service), which uses services provided by ARIN (U.S. Internet number registration authority) to match pre-approved buyers with pre-approved sellers. Another option is to hire an IPv4 proxy registered as the STLS facilitator. The third method is to submit a transfer request to ARIN to process the transaction. However, legal procedures make this process more complex and time-consuming than other options. In this case, hire a competent broker with relevant experience and cooperate well with companies that provide unused, clean, and verified IPv4 space blocks, it can prove practical and cost-effective.