IPv6 growth rate jumps 300 per cent

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The growth rate of IPv6 has grown by 300 per cent in the last two years, mainly because of its adoption by developing countries such as India.

Both the European Commission and internet innovator Vin Cerf have pressed for IPv6 adoption, due to the problems of IPv4 addresses running out and the problems of last-minute switching.

In many places there hasn’t been a planned and cost-efficient transition to IPv6, which was a conscious decision from many parts of the IT industry.

However, rapid growth in IPv6 appeared to be largely in developing countries, which didn’t have to worry about dismantling IPv4-only networks.

“They can incorporate IPv6 from the start, avoiding much of the transition cost,” said Adiel Akplogan, chief executive for AfriNIC.

“It is essential, however, that equipment vendors provide IPv6 upgrades and functionality at minimal extra cost, and that those whose products do not yet provide IPv6 support should develop upgrades without delay.”

The figures were revealed at the Internet Governance Forum in India this week, which is discussing key elements of internet governance and resourcing.

The growth rate was calculated from the number of new entrants into the IPv6 routing system by the Number Resource Organisation, a consortium of the world’s five regional internet registries.

The NRO also advised that the business sector needed to support IPv6 by hosting content on IPv60-enabled websites, while software and hardware vendors need to implement IPv6 support in their products

It also said that governments needed to learn more about IPv6 transition issues to support deployments in their countries, while organisations and end users should start requesting IPv6 services from their ISPs and vendors.

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