Tech Field Day Extra Roundtable – IPv4 and IPv6

The Tech Field Day Extra delegates at Interop Las Vegas 2015 delved into the ongoing transition from IPv4 to IPv6, highlighting the complexities and market dynamics involved. The discussion began with the observation that companies are now engaging in the transfer and rental of IPv4 addresses due to the scarcity of available IPv4 space. This scarcity has led to the emergence of a marketplace where IPv4 addresses can be bought and sold, reflecting the high demand and limited supply. The delegates noted that while this aftermarket provides a temporary solution, it is not sustainable in the long term, as the remaining IPv4 addresses are rapidly depleting. The conversation also touched on the fact that many legacy IPv4 addresses are not managed by ARIN, further complicating the situation.

Despite the pressing need for IPv6 adoption, the delegates observed significant resistance from enterprises, particularly in regions like the UK and Europe, where there is a general lack of urgency. Many enterprises possess sufficient IPv4 address space and do not feel the immediate pressure to transition. The discussion highlighted that for most enterprises, IPv6 is not a priority compared to other pressing networking issues such as software-defined networking (SDN), application firewalls, and the shift from 1 gig to 10 gig networks. The delegates emphasized that while IPv6 has been on the radar for over a decade, it often takes a backseat to more immediate concerns. However, they acknowledged that certain sectors, such as mobile operators and large-scale enterprises, are more proactive in adopting IPv6 due to the limitations and costs associated with IPv4.

The roundtable also explored specific use cases where IPv6 adoption is more critical. For instance, the mobile market in the United States has seen significant IPv6 adoption, with major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile reporting over 50% native IPv6 traffic. This shift is driven by the need to reduce the costs and resource consumption associated with dual-stack connections. Additionally, the Internet of Things (IoT) and large-scale enterprises with extensive internal networks are identified as key drivers for IPv6 adoption. The delegates concluded that while IPv6 may not be an immediate concern for all enterprises, it is essential for network professionals to be educated about it and to implement appropriate policies and procedures to manage its integration effectively.