How to plan IPv6 Networks

1. hardware or software?

Most vrouters and vswitches support IPv6, but these network devices have different forwarding rules. A high-capacity core router processes data packets on its dedicated hardware (such as a dedicated integrated circuit or network processor) to accelerate IPv4 forwarding. However, the hardware architecture usually does not support IPv6. this means that the router processes IPv6 data packets on a general-purpose processor, which leads to slow forwarding and low capacity.

2. Applications

Most applications do not care about the underlying network protocol IP), but some do not, such as using session to start the initialization protocol SIP) instant service. The SIP creator caused a serious error and encapsulated the IP address information into the SIP packet header. Manufacturers and SIP application developers must reset their applications to support IPv6 information in the SIP header.

3. Operator

IPv6 support is still limited, especially for services such as MPLS and home Internet. For example, Verizon's FiOS does not support IPv6. therefore, families or remote staff who use FiOS cannot use the IPv6 service without the tunnel protocol. Many home routers do not support IPv6. At the same time, some operators, including Comcast, NTT and Hurricane Electric, are already implementing IPv6. Most carriers adopt a dual-architecture: they support v4 and v6, and use CGNcarrier grade NAT) as the gateway between v4 and v6. However, CGN may cause extra transmission latency in the network. As a result, many Internet architects worry that CGN has broken the end-to-end Internet mode. This means that carriers can allow them not to penetrate NAT to restrict unnecessary services. In any case, CGN may be the only feasible solution to solve the interconnection problem between IPv4 and IPv6, as well as to minimize IPv4 and IPv6 route propagation, so as to reduce the Resource load of the carrier's border router.

4. Multiple leased lines and private addresses

Multi-line is a standard practice for most enterprises. The hierarchical structure of IPv6 addresses is to simplify the route table by summarizing routes to aggregate routes. IPv6 designers do not consider the demand for private addresses or multiple leased lines, but enterprises want to be secure and elastic. To create a multi-line or v6 address translation policy, you must closely contact your service provider to have your own IPv6 address space.

5. Others

Solve the first four planning difficulties. The following is the most difficult one. Today's IP networks are composed not only of routers, switches, and computers. WAN optimization and management platform, supply and change management procedures, sensors, M2M devices, management tools, and IT products must be considered when purchasing. IT engineers must analyze whether they support IPv6 to plan upgrades or gateway policies to ensure that existing applications and devices can coexist in a IPv4-IPv6 hybrid network.

In general, these five IPv6 planning difficulties should not prevent anyone from trying IPv6 migration. They should serve as a reminder that IPv6 implementation requires a lot of advance planning. Many of our customers have benefited from the professional services provided by IPv6 professionals. However, the actual implementation is still very small. We expect that third-party services will increase with the actual deployment. By attaching importance to these IPv6 planning difficulties, the path to IPv6 will become clearer.

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