IPv6

The Value of IPv6

IPv6 expands the number of network address bits from 32 bits (in IPv4) to 128 bits, which provides more than enough globally unique IP addresses for every networked device on the planet.

However, it’s not just about addressing. It’s about business continuity and innovation. The unlimited address space provided by IPv6 will allows us to deliver more and newer applications and services with reliability, improved user experience and increased security. These might include:

• Multiple internet-enabled mobile devices for every person on the planet
• Billions of embedded sensors using technologies such as RFID, IEEE 802.15.4, and Personal Area Networks
• Home and industrial appliances
• Smart grids

Organizations which choose to react to address exhaustion will find their customer base shrinking. It will be more difficult to innovate and more resources will be needed to sustain IPv4 investments. It’s best to be proactive.

Everyone has a different reason to adopt IPv6:

IPv6 Adopter	Purpose	Typical Industry
Mandated	Meet regulations, compete in the global market, and ensure service availability	Government and Public Sector
Motivated	Serve customers needing IPv6 access; deal with address exhaustion, globalization, and device proliferation	Service Providers
Early Adopter	Deal with address exhaustion, establish competitive differentiation	Utilities (smart grid) and mobile service providers
Mainstream	Business continuity, maintain customer reach, protect investments	Large enterprises, smaller business

The Vision and the Plan

No matter what, you need a plan for IPv6. If you are not sure where to start, Cisco Services can guide you through our successful, proven process. They can help answer questions such as:

• How do I know if my organization really needs IPv6?
• How do I find out if my network is ready for IPv6?
• How do I get IPv6 addresses, and who provides them?
• How do I deploy IPv6 without disrupting my business?

Cisco is using a "preserve, prepare, and prosper" approach for enterprises, small business, and service providers.

• Preserve
  Retain your current IPv4 assets as you assess your needs and evaluate your readiness for transition to IPv6.
• Prepare
  Position yourself for new new growth with architectural designs, IPv6-ready technology solutions, and certifications. Create designs that don’t disrupt your existing IPv4 network.
• Prosper
  Cisco helps your organization maintain business continuity while expanding innovation and global reach. By opening markets that were once inaccessible—whether micro-loans made by mobile phone to small businesses in third world countries, or reaching new business partners in China, or educational organizations reaching out to students across continents—IPv6 allows for continued growth.

Learn About Cisco Services for IPv6

Journals and Case Studies