IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) is the second Internet Protocol version to be used. It allows more number of addresses available for network devices then IPv4. Unlike IPv4, IPv6 has 128 bits or 6 octets. The large address space was designed for multiple levels of subnetting and address allocation from the Internet backbone to the individual subnets within an organization. There are other benefits of IPv6 such as, allowing live video stream and making phone calls using VoIP(Voice over Internet Protocol). IPv6 offers a higher level of built-in security then IPv4 by using authentication and encryption. “The IPv6 protocol suite requires support for IPSec. This requirement provides a standards-based solution for network security needs and promotes interoperability between different IPv6 implementations.” (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc738582%28WS.10%29.aspx#w2k3tr_ipv6_what_upya) It also has been designed with mobile devices in mind. “The conversion from IPv4 to IPv6 will be a larger task for the industry than was the preparation for year 2000. This protocol change will affect nearly all networked applications, end systems, infrastructure systems, and network architectures.” (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc738582%28WS.10%29.aspx) The change from IPv4 to IPv6 can be costly and unproductive if not approached with responsibility. There is no specific timeline on when IPv6 will be in full effect. “It will be many years before IPv6 is widely accepted. Until then, some businesses and applications will use IPv6, while the rest of the Internet will use IPv4.” (How the Internet Works, pg. 23)
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