What Is IPv6

Embracing the Future: IPv6 and Plugable Products for Network Connectivity

The internet as we know it operates using an addressing technology originally created over 40 years ago, and we are running out of those addresses. As we move forward with an ever-increasing number of connected devices we need to look to the future to ensure we’re not only prepared for the devices that are already online, but of all the devices yet to be connected, too.

Enter IPv6, the sixth version of the Internet Protocol which will directly address the needs of our network-connected world. This blog discusses the importance of IPv6 in an increasingly connected world by providing some background info on IPv4 and IPv6, and speaks to how Plugable products can assist you in taking the next step with IPv6.

Our products not only support IPv6, but we have the test results to back it up: How To Test An IPv6 connection. Whether you’re a network professional, a tech enthusiast, or someone curious about the future of the Internet, this blog is for you. Want to jump right to the Plugable products that can assist you? Click this Link to the Product Tables.

What’s the difference between IPv4 and IPv6?

The exponential growth of internet-connected devices has put a strain on IPv4, the current version of the Internet Protocol. Whenever we go online, we get a Public (Global) IP address. As numbers crunch in the background, hands shake (digital ones, that is), and we are given a ticket for the ride. There’s just one problem: we are running out of tickets, or addresses, as it were.

IPv4, uses 32-bit addresses, which limits the number of available global addresses to approximately 4.3 billion. A common example of an IPv4 address is 192.168.1.1, typically used for routers. Our phones, tablets, appliances, computers, game consoles, speakers, security systems, cars and more are all connected (sometimes to each other) and need to get and stay online.

IPv4 uses decimal notation in 4 octets at 8 bits each and is limited to 255 as the maximum value. Go ahead, just try and put in 256! The number of available global addresses provided by IPv4 isn’t even close to enough to accommodate the billions of devices that are expected to be connected to the internet in the coming years, not to mention the billions of devices currently connected.

Introducing IPv6. The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) developed IPv6 to replace the current IPv4 protocol standard. With its vast address space and enhanced features, IPv6 is poised and ready to lay a new track for the ever- growing and evolving connected landscape.It would seem that a full transition is just around the corner, but, we aren’t there just yet.

IPv6, IoT and the Modern Smart Business/Home/Office

What is IPv6? The creation of and rollout to IPv6 has been a long and winding road,that hasn’t gotten fully to the destination. Most recently in 2017, IPv6 was ratified as an Internet Standard. In 1998, IPv6 was adopted as a Draft Standard by the IETF. IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses in a hexadecimal format. This provides a theoretical maximum of 2 to the power of 128 addresses, which is an extremely large number, and one that is seemingly endless!

An example IPv6 address format would be: 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334. Each address has 8 sections at 16 bits each, ranging from 0000 to FFFF. We can remove the lead zeros in each group which would give an address of: 2001:db8:85a3::8a2e:370:7334. As the world becomes increasingly connected, IPv6 is essential to ensuring that the internet can continue to grow and evolve.

IoT (Internet of Things) connected devices are an area where IPv6 implementation can be of great benefit. The growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) industry has accelerated along with its capabilities. According to Statista, the number of connected IoT devices worldwide is expected to almost double from 15.1 billion in 2020, to more than 29 billion IoT devices in 2030.

Businesses, homes and offices can all benefit from IoT and smart devices such as security and monitoring systems (be it physical or logical) AI controlled lighting, thermostats, chairs, tables, and smart products we haven’t even thought of. Each of these devices will need a global address for employees, residents and guests to use. With significant growth for IoT devices on the horizon, IPv6 implementation will be the only way to accommodate them all.

Government Mandates and Memorandums

The United States Federal Government and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has mandated that all federal agencies must be IPv6 enabled by the end of fiscal year 2025, including both new and existing networks which will need an overhaul. Some of the current United States government mandates include:

• M-22-09 - Mandate requires federal agencies to have at least 50% of their IP-enabled assets operating in IPv6-Only by the end of fiscal year 2024
• M-21-07 - Memorandum discusses the importance of a complete shift to IPv6 for internet technologies and services, affirming the Federal government's commitment to accomplishing the task

It is of critical importance that the Federal Government be properly prepared, and could help to lead by example for further rollouts into the public sector. By doing so, the Federal Government not only ensures its own readiness, but also sets a high standard for public sector entities, encouraging them to follow suit and adopt similar preparedness measures.

Local versus global / Challenges of implementation

Despite IPv6’s advantages, transitioning to it is not without challenges. Many individuals and organizations aren’t aware of IPv6, or don’t sit around thinking about Internet Protocol. For most people, the internet just works, or it doesn’t. That’s really how it should be, but unfortunately isn’t always the case, and certainly not behind the scenes.

Dual stacking may be a viable approach to IPv6 deployment for organizations. Dual stacking is a method of deploying IPv6 on a network that is already using IPv4. Devices will have both IPv4 and IPV6 addresses, which will allow them to connect with hosts and devices of both protocols. Dual Stacking allows for a gradual transition to IPv6 which may be useful for organizations to complete the rollout without disrupting existing networks, and devices in other situations.

On the other side of this however, a dual stacked network needs to be configured for both IP versions, which could be a challenge. Dual stacking may not be compatible with all applications, particularly those that haven’t been designed/updated to support IPv6.

What's next for 2024 and beyond?

Our Products are IPv6 compliant today, and will be compliant tomorrow as well. So whether you’re ready to roll out now, or need a moment to prepare, we’ll be there to help. Below, you’ll find information about just some of our IPv6 compliant Network Adapters, and Docking stations designed to keep your internet traffic moving, wherever you are.

Network Adapters

Docking Stations

(See product pages for full details)

Closing

IPv6 is the future of the internet. Despite the potential challenges and questions of rollout, IT professionals need to be prepared to transition to IPv6 in order to ensure that their organizations are able to take advantage of the benefits that IPv6 offers. The benefits of IPv6 adoption are clear, but there are still some challenges that need to be addressed for a full global transition.

By working together, IT professionals, device manufacturers, network vendors, governments, and businesses can overcome these challenges and ensure that the internet remains a reliable and secure resource for everyone. Plugable is ready to help you meet the needs of the coming IPv6 world. Whether you are looking to bring IPv6 into your personal or professional network setting, we can help!

We hope this was helpful and informative! Feel free to leave a comment below.