IPv6 and the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things means the continued growth and development of an open, global Internet. Is it just about replacing IPv4 addresses like "213.168.103.126" with weird looking IPv6 addresses like "2001:41C8:51:27E::10"?

Getting from nothing to something

IPv4 was the main tool used to create the global internet. It was an IT success story, of getting from nothing to something for everyone. It wasn't perfect.

IPv4

• Security Issues - IPsec is optional
• IP addresses is exhaustion
• Etc.

Getting from something to something better

Jumping from version 4 to version 6 will simplify the networking world. The simple fact that IPv6 has a zillion addresses means the workarounds used with IPv4 can be removed. The simple Internet model of sending a packet from one address to another was broken with NAT(Network Address Translation).

With IPv6, there is no need for private addresses.

Should I switch to IPv6 in 2013?

For an enterprise, yes
For a residential user, no

When an enterprise refreshes its technology, it makes sense to have a strategy that insists on new kit that can handle IPv6. It makes sense to build new IPv6 services alongside new IPv4 services. There is no pressure to upgrade existing services to use IPv6.


At home, most of the components needed to make sure IPv6 replaces IPv4 already in place. The OS can talk IPv6. Most home computer understand IPv6 and many home routers. Many internet services have IPv6 addresses. Unfortunately, many people can't reach them because their ISP only does IPv4.

Can I face the change?

I will learn, and I will change my servers. IPv4 enabled the Internet and IPv6 will enable the Internet of Things. If I want a future in internet IT, I must update my skills. IPv6 and the Internet of Things are the future.