Internet communication happens through the Internet Protocol, or IP. Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) has been in use since the Internet came to life. A primary function of IP is addressing. Every device communicating on the Internet uses an IP address, which equates to having a unique mailing address to which there’s only one in the world. Although IPv4 did a great job of getting us where we are today, a problem arose. We ran out of IPv4 addresses! That’s a huge problem considering the Internet continues to grow at a rapid pace and billions of new IPv4 addresses are needed. Internet Protocol version 6 solves this major problem by providing more IP addresses than grains of sand across all the world’s beaches. Without IPv6, the Internet would be unable to grow.

Absolutely. No matter what size your organization is or what industry, implementing IPv6 ensures that you are future-proofing your technology infrastructure. The Internet is going to eventually run IPv6 only, and eventually the costs of operating IPv4 will simply be too high. IPv4 will move to history’s archives and sit alongside Windows 3.1, the Atari 2600, and dial-up modems. Now is the time to get started at a pace that works for you.

Preparing for a successful implementation of IPv6 takes three key ingredients:

• Get training. There are a lot of books, online courses, and instructor-led training options out there. Through LightChange’s Get 6’d service offering, we can provide IPv6 training to ensure your IT staff has the knowledge to move forward and be successful. Our Get 6’d goal is to ensure your team has the skills and path to achieve success with IPv6.

• Create a strategic plan. Knowing the steps to success with IPv6 is crucial. From an IPv6 addressing strategy to a phased deployment strategy, you’ll want to avoid going back and starting over. At the very least, you should partner with a company experienced with IPv6 deployments. LightChange can be involved as little or as much as you like. For example, LightChange can simply double-check your strategy, or we can provide an entire strategic plan for your organization.

• Understand the Long Game. Deploying IPv6 requires a long-game mentality. Slow and steady wins the race. For example, Internet Service Providers might take 3-5 years to be done with or nearly done with IPv4. Smaller organizations, on the other hand, might be done in six months. What’s most important is that you get started and work at a pace that fits your organization.

The answer to that depends on if you want your organization to run a “trial and error” IPv6 deployment. Even with twenty years’ experience with IPv4, a seasoned IT professional with a decent day-to-day workload and the best intentions could have a hard time. If you want a solid IPv6 strategy and an IT team that can confidently handle an infrastructure running IPv6, then, yes, we highly recommend professional assistance through the LightChange Get 6’d service offering.