Business Guide: Migrating to IPv6

Introduction

The need for migration to the new version of the Internet Protocol IPv6 is now a foregone conclusion, with an expected timeline of 2010 to 2012. Countries like China and Japan are already well ahead of the rest of the world in their implementation efforts. IPv6 is the likely preferred choice of individuals and establishments in the future, predominantly for the advantages it offers over IPv4 in terms of its vastly expanded addressing capabilities, ability to provide a server-less auto-configuration ("plug-n-play") and reconfiguration, and its strong in-built security features.

SMost of the modern day computers and systems have in-built provisions to make the switch over to the IPv6 protocol by making simple changes to the system configuration.

Different OS Setups

There are different OS set up possibilities for making the transition to IPv6.

The Mac OS X is intrinsically IPv6- ready, with an incredibly simple configuration.

In the case of BSD operating systems, most aspects of IPv6 functionality have been taken care of under the KAME project with their code making it progressively easier to run on the FreeBSD (4.0), NetBSD (1.5), OpenBSD (2.7) and MacOS X (10.2) platforms. With each new versions, IPv6 will be switched on and become available on all the above platforms by default.

Solaris 8 and later OS versions (developed by Sun Microsystems) are fully IPv6-ready. All basic services and functionalities of the protocol as well as IPv6-in-IPv4 tunnelling are provided for in IPv6 implementation. Although IPv6 patches are possible for earlier versions of Solaris, they may not have the full range of IPv6 functionality. Users can turn on ipv6 in Solaris systems either during the installation process or through a simple 4-step configuration process.

Windows XP with Service Pack 1 was the first Microsoft OS to officially include IPv6 as a built-in feature, although it doesn't get activated by default. A simple configuration is all it takes to get it up and running:

Open the MS DOS command shell and type the following: c:\ netsh interface ipv6 install

c:\ netsh interface ipv6 set privacy disabled persistent

Without update q817778 it's "ipv6 install".

To uninstall IPv6, simply enter (in the command shell)

c:\ netsh interface ipv6 uninstall

It is necessary to reboot in order to fully uninstall the protocol.

Although there is no direct Microsoft support for IPv6 in the case of Windows 95/98/NT, there is an implementation software called Winsock (from Trumpet) which can be installed on these versions. A 30-day downloadable trial version is available from Trumpet.

IPv6 Tools

There are several IPv6 tools available for users at www.ipv6tools.com

Role of CISCO in IPv6 Deployment

Cisco has a long history of supporting multiprotocol networks, and has added IPv6 to Cisco IOS Software, to cater to different deployment scenarios as per customer requirements. Cisco IOS Software releases deliver the most complete IPv6 features aligned to the market needs. The Cisco IOS software developments are focused on continuous innovation in IPv6 features and functionality. IPv6 over Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) (also known as 6PE), customer premises equipment (CPE) autoconfiguration through Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) IPv6 prefix delegation are some of their innovative offerings.

Cisco Systems offers a comprehensive service in IPv6 Assessment and Migration Consulting Services covering the preparation and planning of various aspects involved in migrating from IPv4 to IPv6. The package includes assessment of client's existing network environment and a complete plan for the transition. Using diagnostic tools and reporting systems, Cisco makes the transition smooth.

CISCO is the Co-chair of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) IPv6 Working Group and of NGtrans Working Group, and as 'Founding Member' of the IPv6 Forum, incorporates many first mover advantages:


Well Known Cisco 6Bone router
~ 70 tunnels with other companies acts as 6to4 Relay
~around 500 sites running worldwide
Cisco IOS 12.2(2)T offers official IPv6 support including Cisco IOS IPv6 training & Worldwide TAC
Official Cisco IPv6 prefix registered to ARIN (2001:0420::/35)

The official CISCO IPv6 webpage is www.cisco.com/ipv6

Juniper Networks

NetScreen ScreenOS 5.0 IPv6 from the stables of Juniper Networks is currently available on:


NetScreen-5XT
NetScreen-204/208
NetScreen-500
NetScreen-5200 8G

The NetScreen ScreenOS 5.0 IPv6 optimizes the features of security, encryption and QoS required in an IPv6 network, and enables service providers and enterprises to easily implement IPv6 network infrastructures. It incorporates certain critical features needed for the easy insertion of security devices into an IPv6 production network. Customers can migrate to IPv6 without re-numbering their entire network, thanks to DHCPv6. However, NetScreen ScreenOS 5.0 IPv6 is a limited release, and is available only to customers with current and valid support contracts, for the present, and may be accessed from the Juniper Networks web site.