As you know, identification of any device (computer, smartphone, pad) connected to a local area network or the Internet is carried out by giving it an IP address matched to the Internet Protocol.

The fourth version of the IP protocol (IPv4) created in the nineteen seventies is currently used in the world. However, a few decades ago, nobody thought that 4 billion available IPv4 addresses will not suffice in the middle of 2012. Therefore in 1992, specialists began to discuss the possibility of extending the number of IPv4 addresses, and in 1994, created a new version of the protocol – the IPv6.

Already today, the number of internal global IP addresses of globally used Internet Protocol IPv4 is not sufficient, because their length is only 32 bits. Therefore, the transition to IPv6, the length of which is 128 bits, remains one of the most pressing problems faced by all network operators. The difference between IPv4 and IPv6 is well–reflected by the following example: all IPv4 addresses would fit in an iPod device, whereas IPv6 protocol would require the entire globe.

The new IPv6 is distinguished by a number of advantages. It allows for an increase of the network hierarchy level and the provision of the IP address to a larger number of devices. It will be possible to provide terminal equipment with the Internet access without additional means (for example, by means of Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)). Due to the mobility of the protocol the aforesaid equipment will be able to change its location within the network and IP address without losing connections that correspond to data transfer flows. IPv6 will make it possible to simplify the address autoconfiguration as well as optimize the processing of packets at the network level. The IPv6 protocol includes a security system, based on the IPsec technology.

The installed IPv6 protocol allows the use of wireless technology 4G/LTE, which focuses exclusively on the IPv6. Moreover, it is worth noting that there are no alternatives to the transition to IPv6; the only thing that needs to be done is deciding when to carry out the transition. Nonetheless, this transition has been burdened by few problems so far. First of all, decreasing network bandwidth due to the length of the IP address. Secondly, the need to adapt the management and monitoring programs. Thirdly, the need to rewrite some applications, for example, those filtering spam. There are also safety–related problems (standard methods do not work with the ACL). 

Despite the fact that IPv6 was developed back in 1994, serious discussions as to the transition to it began in 1998. Furthermore, Google began the transition to IPv6 in 2008.

On 6 June 2012, the World IPv6 Launch will be announced, because the testing of the aforesaid protocol was successful. Internet providers will offer IPv6 to at least 1% of their clients (among those already preparing are “AT&T”, “Comcast”, “Free Telecom”, “Internode”, KDDI, “Time Warner Cable”, XS4ALL). Network equipment manufacturers (“Cisco”, “D–Link”) activate IPv6 on their routers as the predefined setting. Internet companies include IPv6 into their main portals (“Google”, “Facebook”, “Microsoft Bing”, “Yahoo”), and some move their corporate sites to IPv6.

Towards the date of the World IPv6 Launch, the operator of the fiber–optic network “Skynet” – the company “Penkių kontinentų komunikacijų centras” – is also preparing to install IPv6 on its network. According to Tomas Okmanas, the head of Network Operations Department, despite the fact that there is no shortage of IP addresses for the “Skynet” users, the company tries to keep track of global trends and respond to them.

“In our efforts to keep pace with global standards, we started to prepare for the global transition to IPv6 protocol. It is already used in Beta mode in our “Skynet” server network, and in the short run, we will be able to offer it to all our clients. The most advanced “Cisco Systems” equipment used in both core networks and client premises allows us to implement this task”, – emphasizes T. Okmanas.

According to specialists, the new protocol is distinguished by a number of advantages.

“The new version of the protocol is significantly improved – it is much more reliable and more mobile. In addition, IPv6 ensures the quality of the service, dynamics of network architecture and routing. This protocol is of a simpler format, which simplifies the processing of the IP packet and ensures the economy of network bandwidth”, states T. Okmanas.

It is expected that IPv6 will replace IPv4 in the future; however, the latter will operate during the entire period of the transition to the new protocol version.

The company “Penkių kontinentų komunikacijų centras” has been operating and constantly expanding a fiber–optic network “Skynet” since 1998, by means of which various high quality services – high–speed Internet (up to 1 Gb/s), IP telephony, IP television, home security – are provided.

For more information about “Skynet” visit www.skynet.lt.