by matt.wall
8. June 2011 11:27
As we all know, we're quickly running out fo IPv4 addresses to assign to new online devices, with the complete pool of IPv4 addresses expected to run out within a couple of years. The heavyweight internet giants, such as Microsoft, Google and Facebook, are trialling IPv6 versions of their websites to trial how it all works, to find possible issues and such.
It's an inevitable fact that one day, probably within the next few years, everyone will have to make the change, but corporations and consumers alike are being told not to worry as the process will not be a 'switch off/switch on' process. It will take time, and be rolled out slowly. Another downside to this necessary change will be that, unfortunately, new hardware may have to be purchased and installed. A lot of current routers already support IPv6, in which case a firmware update will be necessary.
For businesses, the process of upgrading to IPv6 will be more costly and time-consuming, as more hardware will have to be installed, and with this will come new software installation, costs of new hardware, costs of fitting and installation if these processes are outsourced.
However you look at it, the transition to IPv6 is inevitable, and is something businesses and consumers alike will have to prepare for.
