5 things on how and why you need to migrate from IPv4 to IPv6

Now only 9% of the IPv4 address space globally remains free and available. The prediction is that by 2011 all IPv4 addresses will be allocated.

Learn how Men&Mice can help with the IPv6 migration and how you can make use of the FREE IPv6 migration tool.

1. What is IPv4

Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) is the protocol version that made the Internet successful. IPv4 together with Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6), is the foundation for internetworking methods of the Internet. Computers on the Internet talk to each other through IPv4. Each computer on the Internet has its own public IPv4 address, similar to a phone number: for example, 121.173.172.121. ,and this will direct you to the target site requested on the Internet by a public IPv4 address.

2. What is IPv6

Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) is the next-generation Internet Protocol version designated as the successor to IPv4. The 32 bit IPv4 addresses will be replaced by the new 128 bit IPv6 addresses and provides enough addresses for the Internet to expand further without problems. IPv6 will improve service all around the globe; for example, by providing future cell phones and mobile devices with their own unique and permanent addresses.

3. Going from IPv4 to IPv6

IPv6 adoption has been slow in the corporate world, despite the benefits of the new IP protocol. Migration from IPv4 to IPv6 does not mean replacing IPv4 with IPv6, but enabling IPv6 in addition to IPv4. This will enable the network administrator to start benefiting from the new protocol.

IPv4 and IPv6 are not compatible so an IPv4 device can't communicate directly with an IPv6 device. The transition from IPv4 to IPv6 is a global challenge and as a result the adoption of IPv6 has been very slow.

One of the challenges involved for the network administrator in migrating to IPv6 is to quantify the effort and costs of an IPv6 migration as well as plan how to approach the task. Migration over to IPv6 is not a simple task and requires a solid and transparent process. With proper IP Address Management (IPAM) tools and information on the existing IPv4 infrastructure, the effort becomes manageable.

The transition from IPv4 to IPv6 should be high on the agenda by all stakeholders responsible for corporate networks. That applies to ISP's, Enterprises, government agencies as well as small businesses.

4. FREE tool that helps with the migration from IPv4 to IPv6

The Men&Mice IP Address Mangement Module is FREE of charge to help with this migration process. The license offered is valid for 6 months and only for the migration purpose.

To facilitate IPv6 deployment Men&Mice has introduced a whitepaper outlining stepwise approach to IPv6 Migration and planning using the Men&Mice IP Address Management module.

The whitepaper is also supported by a IPv6 Migration Screencast.

Please contact sales@menandmice.com for a free activation key for the IP Address Management Module

5. What happens if you ignore migration from IPv4 to IPv6?

The question is no longer if IPv6 will be implemented, just when. Ignoring this change is not an option.

Everyone working in the field should be familiar with the challenges ahead and planning how to address them.

Waiting does not make sense and we urge you to start preparing for the inevitable - IPv6!!

FREE Whitepaper, Video and migration tool: Getting ready for migration from IPv4 to IPv6

We also recommend IPv6Act now website for more details.