Internet Protocol V6

IPv6 is not the cryptic name of a new movie sequel. It is short for Internet Protocol Version 6 and will gradually replace the current IP numbers used on LANs and the Internet.

Why do we need a new version of the Internet protocol? The Internet is beginning to run out of IP addresses. An IP address is a 32-bit number split up into four 8-bit segments. A 32-bit number has a range from 0 through 4,294,967,295.

You might think four billion addresses would be enough, but the Internet is a global network. There are plenty of organizations, businesses, governments and schools that each have multiple IP addresses. Plus, large blocks of IP addresses are off limits to the Internet. For example, all IP numbers that begin with 192.168.x.x are reserved for private networks.

IPv6 quadruples the length of an IP address to 128 bits. IPv6 also adds improved network address assignment protocols to augment DHCP. In other words, IPv6 should have improved plug and play.

Upgrading to IPv6 will not be without pitfalls. IPv6 headers are 320-bits long. Hardware protocols that were designed for the shorter packet headers currently used may bog down when the new “fat packets” enter into wide use. IPv6 will also require network software and operating system updates. There is no certainty about what security consequences the new IP addresses will have.

One thing is sure, the current IP addressing system is running out of numbers. If not IPv6 then another addressing scheme will have to be developed. This is essential if the Internet will remain a truly global network capable of growing with users’ needs.