Date:29/10/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/10/29/stories/2005102902781200.htm

Back Migration to IPv6 likely by 2006

Our Bureau

Bangalore , Oct. 28

IPv6, the next generation of Internet Protocol (IP), is replacing the older version (IPv4) across the world.

Countries such as India need to adopt it to ensure that an updated network infrastructure is ready for future technology advancements. Discussions on the advantages and issues relating to IPv6 have begun. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) held an open house meet to debate on the operational and policy-driven decisions to be made before IPv6 is ushered in.

The explosive growth of the Internet and the inherent weakness of IPv4 in terms of limitation of addresses is a main driver to shift to IPv6. The present Web site address consists of 32 bits, limiting the total number of addresses to about 2 billion only. It is expected that by 2010 all the available Web site addresses will be consumed. Alternative addressing processes such as Network Address Translation and Classless Interdomain Routing have their associated problems. With Voice over IP (VoIP) and broadband over mobiles, a scalable network protocol is needed.

At the TRAI-organised discussion on a consultation paper here on Tuesday, representatives of the IPv6 Forum, as well as various telcos and IT companies gave their viewpoints. Mr S. N. Gupta, Dr Devendra P.S. Seth and Mr S.S. Chaudhary, members of TRAI, presided over the session.

Among other things, the transition strategy for migration from the older standard IPv4, how IPv6 would help improve quality of service of Internet and mobile services for the end user, and the existing system of IP address allocation were discussed.

IPv6 offers larger addressing space, with 128 bits, and automatic address allocation. It is more efficient due to a new format that is designed to keep overhead to a minimum and remove delays. The geographic addressing feature will allow law enforcement agencies to track Web site owners. IPv6 is also mandatory for fourth generation telecommunication services.

In Europe, two projects — 6NET and Euro61X — as well as 40 research projects are being conducted to test interoperability, and initiate deployment of advanced network services. Japan has allocated the equivalent of $70 million for IPv6 research and development, and South Korea is working on policies. China Next Generation Internet will also be based on the IPv6.

In India, the Department of IT has commissioned several projects to create test beds and support R&D activities. Final recommendations will be submitted by TRAI to the Government by December this year. The Government hopes to complete migration to IPv6 by 2006.

Then, the Internet's potential to go beyond Web sites and existing uses will be set free. Emergency and location-based services will soon be available to subscribers. Security, mobility as well as applications will undergo a revolution. Internet service providers will assign an IP address to the subscriber on obtaining a connection. This will help increase the number of Web site addresses from India. According to the TRAI paper, India has 2.8 million addresses, less than any US university.