IPv6

Every Internet-capable computer or device needs a numeric IP (Internet Protocol) address to be able to connect to the global Internet. Most computers and devices connect using the IPv4 (Internet Protocol Version 4) address standard, which allows for over four billion addresses.

The number of Internet-enabled devices however is growing so quickly that soon there won’t be enough IPv4 addresses to go around.

The lack of IPv4 addresses has been recognised as a problem since the late 1980’s when it became obvious IPv4 would not be suitable for the long-term growth of the Internet.

IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6) is a network protocol that has been formally adopted to solve the shortage of IPv4 addresses. IPv6 is the only real solution to the IPv4 run-out problem because it supports an almost unlimited number of IP addresses.

New Zealand IPv6 Task Force

The New Zealand IPv6 Task Force is tasked with developing an IPv6 action plan, training and education options, and assisting with IPv6 implementation planning.

The Task Force supercedes the New Zealand IPv6 Steering Group and is aligned with the Global IPv6 Forum. Its work is driven by the impending exhaustion of IPv4 addressing and the associated risk and additional cost that this is expected to impose on New Zealand organisations.

Visit the New Zealand IPv6 Status Survey for an indication of IPv6 uptake in New Zealand to-date: New Zealand IPv6 Status Survey

IPv6 Wiki & Mailing Lists

A Wiki providing technical IPv6 deployment guidance can be found at the following link: http://wiki.ipv6.org.nz

To join the discussion on New Zealand-related IPv6 issues please consider subscribing to the following mailing lists:

IPv6 Public Mailing List: for general IPv6 discussion
http://listserver.internetnz.net.nz/mailman/listinfo/ipv6_maillist

IPv6 Technical Mailing List: for technical IPv6 discussion
http://listserver.internetnz.net.nz/mailman/listinfo/ipv6-techsig