IPv6 Implementation Needs to Happen Sooner Rather than Later

It’s happening – whether you like it or not, IPv6 will soon dominate the Internet. For those who have been dragging their feet and haven’t started the process of implementing IPv6, it’s time to pick up the pace. Once IPv6 has taken over the internet, the IPv4-only users may find themselves “locked out” of the Internet.  IPv4 address users are not able to access IPv6 sites, which drastically limits the number of Internet resources that they’ll be able to view.

Let’s not forget, IPv6 was launched last June, and the hype surrounding IPv6 started long before it went live. Hundreds of studies, articles, and promotions about its inception were disseminated among industry professionals prior to its deployment. After which, the news of IPv6 began to trickle down to all internet users. However, not many users have been quick to initiate the transition to the new Internet protocol.

For those of you who running a little behind in adopting IPv6, here are some tips on how to get started:

1. Assessment: First, your company must identify its technical and business requirements in order to select the best type of cloud technology to implement; private, public, or hybrid. To learn more about the difference between the three different cloud variations, click here.

2. High-Level Deployment Plan: After reviewing the technical requirements, your IT department will need to devise a high-level plan to implement IPv6 while minimizing disruptions to employees.

3. Planning and Design: Once you have selected the type of cloud technology that your company will be utilizing, it is time to create a detailed implementation plan. This step includes the IPv6 addressing plan, physical connectivity considerations, and manageability. The detailed planning and design strategy should also include a security plan. IPv6 is not an update of IPv4, but an entirely new suite of protocols. This raises new security challenges, so businesses need to be adequately prepared to set up firewalls and intrusion prevention devices in order to protect company data.

4. Implementation and Testing: This is the time to employ and test your cloud technology. If your company has planned accordingly, then the actual implementation should be the low-risk part of the process. Initially, IPv6 should be deployed in a lab or pilot network, covering the complete set of network devices, applications, and desktops targeted as the initial candidates. This is an opportunity to gather feedback and eliminate any problems with the technology. Once testing is complete, the next step is extending the pilot in stages to a fully deployment.

5. Enhancements: Once you have fully deployed IPv6, you will be able to continually enhance your cloud experience. It is likely that you will end up with a list of improvements that add additional capabilities and value to your business. One of the main benefits of cloud computing is that you can make adjustments to better serve your company’s needs.

The clock is ticking, and time is running out for businesses that haven’t initiated the transition to IPv6. Internet services are critical for almost all companies, so it is very important for businesses to adopt IPv6 sooner than later.

Blog Author: Vanessa Hartung