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.
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Reopening of Comment Period on the Incentives, Benefits, Costs, and Challenges to IPv6 Implementation
On August 18, 2016, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) issued a notice and request for public comments seeking input on the benefits, costs, and challenges they have experienced, as well as any insight into additional incentives that could aid future adoption, implementation, and support of IPv6. In response to requests for additional time in which to comment, NTIA through this notice extends the closing deadline for submitting comments to 5:00 p.m.
NTIA Seeks Input as it Develops Initiatives to Increase IPv6 Adoption
We are on the verge of an explosion in the number of Internet-connected devices, from smartwatches to connected refrigerators, furniture and thermostats. Some experts predict that there will be as many as 200 billion connected devices around the world by 2020, or about 25 devices per person.
Many of those devices will need an IP address to connect to the Internet, but the legacy Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) supports only about 4.3 billion IP addresses. Current demand has all-but-exhausted the global supply of IPv4 addresses. Luckily, the Internet technical community has been developing the next-generation Internet Protocol for nearly two decades. Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) offers 2128 IP addresses – that’s more than 340 undecillion addresses, or 340 followed by 36 digits.
The pace of IPv6 adoption has picked up recently, but only about a third of the Internet services in the United States are IPv6 capable. As IPv4 addresses become more scarce, companies and other organizations that have yet to transition to IPv6 may find it difficult to expand their Internet presence.
Incentives, Benefits, Costs, and Challenges to IPv6 Implementation
NTIA is seeking input to guide NTIA in future IPv6 promotional activities. Through this Notice, NTIA invites adopters and implementers of IPv6 as well as any other interested stakeholders to share information on the benefits, costs, and challenges they have experienced, as well as any insight into additional incentives that could aid future adoption, implementation, and support of IPv6.