What Is IPv6 and How Does It Affect my Business?
IPv6 is a replacement for the current network layer IP protocol. The current IP protocol is version 4 - now referred to as IPv4. IPv6 is short for IP version 6 and represents a significant change from the old IPv4 protocol.
IPv4 has some limitations, and it is to overcome these limits that IPv6 has been developed. The primary limitation is that IPv4 address space only allows for 4 billion nodes on the network, and the number of free addresses is rapidly being depleted due to the success of the Internet. In contrast, IPv6 allows for 340 undecillion (340 x 1036) addresses, this is anticipated to be enough to accommodate expansion of the Internet to include every electronic device in the world -now and in the future.
In addition to the much larger network address space, IPv6 has other improvements over IPv4. A big problem for IPv4 network administrators is the chore of renumbering their entire network if they change ISPs. IPv6 embodies the concept of prefix propagation which makes renumbering entire networks considerably easier.
IPv6 also includes more flexible support for mobile computing devices (laptops, PDAs, cell phones, wristwatch computers, GPS tracking devices, etc.) and supports automatic transparent address reconfiguration while the device is in use. There is also better support for secure communications.
Additionally, IPv6 improves on QoS support, allowing time sensitive applications (such as video or voice over IP) to be prioritized over less critical applications. IPv6 will eventually replace IPv4. During the transition, IPv6 and IPv4 will co-exist, with traffic steadily moving to IPv6.
IPv6 and its Importance to the U.S. Government
In August 2005, the U.S. government established the goal of enabling all Federal government agency network backbones to support IPv6 by June 2008. To help them achieve this goal, NTT America has been awarded a GSA Schedule 70 contract by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) for offering of its IPv6 products to the U.S. Government, Agencies, Military, and Contractors in 4 continents at speeds up to 10GigE.
Learn more about NTT America's GSA involvement
Take a Competitive Leap Forward with NTT Communications IPv6 Gateway Services
NTT Communications operates the world's largest tier one IPv6 backbone, spanning Asia, Europe, North America and Australia. Our global backbone has been fully upgraded to run dual stack — both IPv4 and IPv6. So be on the forefront of technology in the United States with NTT Communications award-winning IPv6 Native, Tunneling (both on our network and though other provider's networks), and Dual Stack Gateway Services.
The NTT Communications IPv6 Transition Consultancy
The NTT Communications IPv6 Transition Consultancy centers on our specific expertise in integrating IPv6 on an existing wide-area network. We do this because that is the focus of our practical experience of operating one of the world's largest commercial IPv6 networks everyday. We know from actual real-world experience the specific details, both architecturally and operationally, what it takes to be successful in enhancing an existing network infrastructure to support both IPv6 and IPv4. We have been developing this expertise for more than a decade and used that to transition our own network worldwide in 2003.
Managed Security that Keeps You Protected
NTT Communications has improved upon the inherent security features of IPv6 with the creation of our IntelliSecurity IPv6 Managed Firewall solution. The IntelliSecurity IPv6 Managed Firewall complements NTT Communications existing suite of managed IPv6 Gateway Services, and satisfies the need for increased security for IPv6 users. This solution provides IPv6 users a higher level of security throughout their organization with 24x7x365, round-the-clock monitoring of hackers and other Internet-related threats.
Team with the Recognized Leader in IPv6
There are currently thousands of customers around the world enjoying the benefits of NTT Communications IPv6 Gateway Services. They have chosen to team with a company that's been directly involved with the development and deployment of IPv6 technology since 1996. Additionally, NTT Communications was recognized by the World Communication Awards as having the Best Technology Foresight for its work in the field of IPv6 (in addition to offering the Best Carrier Service in Asia-Pacific).
Unparalleled Support
NTT Communications IPv6 US customers are fully supported by our highly experienced IPv6 engineers, which have been on the forefront of IPv6 development and implementation worldwide for almost ten years. Boardwatch magazine also recently recognized NTT Communications for excellence in customer service and customer satisfaction.
After all, the move to IPv6 might seem like a big step, but with NTT Communications' global expertise and infrastructure on your side, there is no reason for it to be a difficult one.
To learn more about putting IPv6 solutions to work for you please contact one of our consultants at 1-877-8-NTT-NET or via email at ipv6@us.ntt.net.
