One of the memorable days of this year for us here in HP Networking was IPv6 Day back in June. On that day, 
You may know that IPv6 is the solution to the depleting number of IPv4 addresses. If you're unfamiliar with the story, I'll fill you in. Each device that's connected to the Internet−whether it’s a notebook, a smartphone or an Internet TV−requires an Internet Protocol (IP) address. These addresses are assigned to you by your ISP. Large enterprises and government agencies can assign IP addresses for their own use.
The current pool of IP addresses−IP version 4 (IPv4)−is fast dwindling. In my house alone, I quickly counted over 25 devices that require an IP address. And we haven’t done anything particularly interesting like set up control of the lights or temperature from a remote location. It’s just the standard set-top boxes, laptops, PCs, smart phones, and of course, the all-important gaming systems. But at an average of 4-5 devices per adult and child in my household, you can see that it adds up quickly. And when you apply those numbers to a business, you get an idea of how we find ourselves in this situation.
IPv6 is here now
IPv6 is a new version of the protocol that vastly increases the number of addresses available. This is important as the number of Internet-connected devices is expected to increase around the world. That includes users in the developed countries buying new devices and users in emerging nations getting online.
You may see IPv6 on your Internet devices now. I see IPv6 as a connectivity option on my VPN to the HP corporate network.
As someone who likes to be prepared for the future, I make sure that new devices I buy will support IPv6. As a small and midsize business professional, perhaps you are considering whether you need to prepare for IPv6 now.
No need to rush to IPv6 … but it is on the horizon
My colleague Kai Chang explained in his recent blog post that there is no need for SMBs to rush to IPv6 . He says that as IPv6 is being deployed, a large installed base of IPv4 devices will be around for years to come. Because of this, carriers and ISPs will continue to support IPv4 and IPv6 for some time.
But it is wise to start planning your move now. RIPE NCC, an independent Regional Internet Registry (RIR) that oversees the allocation and registration of IP addresses has a great website that clearly explains the steps small businesses and enterprises can take to prepare for IPv6. See the steps for small businesses and the steps for enterprises .
In a nutshell, here's what RIPE NCC advises:
2. Identify which of your network components needs to be changed or upgraded. Determine the cost of new hardware and software. Select the best vendors and consultants that can help with your transition. You can also begin to draft a project plan and start the implementation process.
3. If you rely on an ISP for Internet connectivity, you should talk to your provider early in the process. Ask if they provide IPv6 connectivity now or when they plan to. Ask when your website will be available over IPv6. Get as much material as you can from your provider so you can assess their readiness and the support you can expect from them throughout the transition process.
4. Audit your IT equipment for compatibility. This includes examining your routers, servers and other hardware. Consider what needs upgrading or replacing. HP offers a wealth of information about IPv6 support on HP technology. Start by exploring the HP IPv6 website . Also, download and read our whitepaper Understanding IPv6 .
5. You should also check that your software is IPv6-ready, or can support both IPv4 and IPv6. Most recent software should be IPv6-compatible.
6. Get everyone up-to-speed with IPv6−from your IT staff to your end-users. RIPE NCC provides free training for creating a deployment plan for IPv6 .
With my cable company now offering home monitoring and control, it won’t be long before we’ll be consuming even more IP addresses at our house. If this is an indicator of what is to come, there are many reasons why it's smart to begin your IPv6 transition plans now. Competitive advantage is a big plus: you'll be able to leverage emergent technologies ahead of your competitors and take the applications you use today to the next level.
Have you started on your transition journey? We’d love to hear from you.
HP IPv6 Resources:
