Chapter15.IPv6: The Future of IP Addressing


Chapter 15. IPv6: The Future of IP Addressing

The current version of the Internet Protocol, IPv4, dates back more than 20 years. Technically, only its roots go back that far; many of its components and functions are much newer. It has been updated and renovated extensively over time to keep pace with the Internet's evolution. Despite some of the turmoil, consolidation, price-based competition, and other fallout from the dot-com bust of 20002001, I think it's quite safe to say that the Internet isn't going away. In fact, its future is all but assured. What's not so certain is the future of IP.

There are two schools of thought concerning the future of the Internet Protocol. One camp claims that IPv6 is inevitable and wrings its collective hands trying to figure out how to convince the rest of the world. The other camp, a somewhat more-pragmatic lot, sees no compelling reason for the "upgrade." They are perfectly content to see IPv4 soldier on and benefit from continued retrofitting with new features and functions.

Without touching off a pseudo religious war (this argument revolves around what you believe as opposed to what you know), it's necessary to more closely examine the capabilities of IPv6. In this chapter, you will see both sides of the great debate: the technical reasons why an upgrade is needed, as well as why so many in the industry don't believe a migration is warranted. This discussion sets the stage for an examination of IPv6, including some of the features that make it dramatically different from its predecessor. Then you can decide for yourself what the future holds.




IP Addressing Fundamentals
IP Addressing Fundamentals
ISBN: 1587050676
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2002
Pages: 118
Authors: Mark Sportack

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