The Value of IPv6

The Value of IPv6

IPv6 expands the number of network address bits from 32 bits (in IPv4) to 128 bits, which provides more than enough globally unique IP addresses for every networked device on the planet.

However, it’s not just about addressing. It’s about business continuity and innovation. The unlimited address space provided by IPv6 will allows us to deliver more and newer applications and services with reliability, improved user experience and increased security. These might include:

• Multiple internet-enabled mobile devices for every person on the planet
• Billions of embedded sensors using technologies such as RFID, IEEE 802.15.4, and Personal Area Networks
• Home and industrial appliances
• Smart grids

Organizations which choose to react to address exhaustion will find their customer base shrinking. It will be more difficult to innovate and more resources will be needed to sustain IPv4 investments. It’s best to be proactive.

Everyone has a different reason to adopt IPv6:

IPv6 Adopter	Purpose	Typical Industry
Mandated	Meet regulations, compete in the global market, and ensure service availability	Government and Public Sector
Motivated	Serve customers needing IPv6 access; deal with address exhaustion, globalization, and device proliferation	Service Providers
Early Adopter	Deal with address exhaustion, establish competitive differentiation	Utilities (smart grid) and mobile service providers
Mainstream	Business continuity, maintain customer reach, protect investments	Large enterprises, smaller business

courtesy :http://www.cisco.com/web/solutions/trends/ipv6/indepth.html