IPv6
Part of NTIA's mission is to convene stakeholders to address today's critical communications and technology issues. One of these issues is the adoption and deployment of Internet Protocol version six (IPv6).
Every device that connects to the Internet, such as computers, smartphones, and smart grids, require an IP address. IPv6 is an Internet addressing system designed to expand the number of IP addresses available because the current supply will eventually exhaust. The IPv6 transition is critical to the continued growth of the Internet. While industry action and planning are needed, consumers do not need to take action to prepare for the IPv6 transition.
Related content
Request for Comments on Deployment of Internet Protocol, Version 6
January 21, 2004
Docket Number
Docket No. 040107006–4006–01]
The President’s National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace directed the Secretary of Commerce to form a task force to examine the issues implicated by the deployment of
Topics
Technical and Economic Assessment of Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) - Discussion Draft
July 16, 2004
Abstract
This paper focuses on one of the communications protocols that lie at the heart of the Internet — the Internet Protocol (IP), which enables data and other traffic to traverse the Internet and to arrive at the desired destination. IP not only provides a standardized “envelope” for the information sent, but it also contains “headers” that provide addressing, routing, and message-handling information that enables a message to be directed to its final destination over the various media that comprise the Internet.
IPv6 offers a number of potential advantages over IPv4, most notably a massive increase in the number of Internet addresses. Demand for such addresses will increase as more and more of the world’s population request Internet access. While there is considerable disagreement about whether, to what extent, and at what pace, such demand will develop, IPv6 would provide the address space to accommodate whatever level of demand does emerge.