There's a new web coming, and the test run will be on June 8. That's the date when Facebook, Google, Yahoo, Limelight Networks, the Internet Society, Akamai and others will run a 24-hour, real-world test of IPv6.
Given the traffic volume of those sites alone, the test might give some indication if there are any issues to be worked out before the newest IP technology begins a more accelerated rollout. In addition to testing the new protocol under actual traffic, World IPv6 Day is also intended to raise awareness of the transition, which many industry observers say needs to make substantial strides this year.
IPv6 Test Site
IPv6, the successor to the current IPv4, is needed primarily because the web is running out of addresses -- as early as next November in some markets.
The Internet Society said the goal of the test is "to motivate organizations across the industry -- Internet service providers, hardware makers, operating-system vendors, and web companies -- to prepare their services for IPv6 to ensure a successful transition as IPv4 addresses run out."
The society said Internet users will not need to do anything differently on the day, as Internet service providers, web services, and OS manufacturers will be "updating their systems to ensure Internet users enjoy uninterrupted service." The group added that a few users, "in rare cases," may have connectivity issues when visiting participating web sites. An IPv6 test site has been set up at http://test-ipv6.com/, and, if the test indicates a problem, users can contact their ISP to help fix the problem.
Three main factors are behind the upcoming address shortage. One is the explosion in web access from multiple devices for each user, primarily in developed countries. Each smartphone, laptop, tablet, desktop and other device that accesses the web requires a different IP or Internet Protocol address. And the demand for device addresses is increasing rapidly, with TVs, game consoles, even automobiles beginning offering web browsing.
A second factor is a rapidly growing user base in developing countries such as Brazil, India and China. Many of those users access the web through mobile devices, which means the device-per-user ratio is also likely to rapidly increase.
And third, the Internet is becoming the communications network for non-user-based equipment, such as smart electricity grids, sensors, RFIDs and smart houses.
Zillions of New Addresses
But all is not lost. The current 32-bit IPv4 dates back to 1980 and a time when its 4.5 billion addresses seemed like a lot. IPv6 utilizes 128-bit addresses, and IPv6 proponents say the new technology could offer -- if needed -- a vast number of addresses that should keep humanity happy until the sun burns out.
Dave Evans, Cisco Systems' chief technologist in its Internet business solutions group, has estimated that the actual number is close to 50 thousand trillion billion addresses per person.
In addition to zillions of new addresses, IPv6 brings other improvements affecting routing, network autoconfiguration, better handling of 3G mobile networks, and other advantages.
Laura DiDio, an analyst with industry research firm Information Technology Intelligence Corp., said that, "typically, a lot of IT departments worry about things only when it's time to worry." She said "there needs to be a lot more publicity" about why IPv6 is needed, to stir into action large and small IT departments and slow-to-act ISPs.
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