What is IPv6?

IPv6 is the next generation of internet protocol which was designed to take over for IPv4, the fourth generation of internet protocol to be released. Reasons for introducing IPv6 include the need for more address space and the addition too many new features including stateless address auto configuration. When IPv4 was first introduced nobody thought the available 32 bit addresses would not be enough to support all people using the space. IPv6 will now allow for up to 128-bit addresses, this will eliminate the need for network address translation. Other differences from IPv4 include a mandatory usage of Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) as well as a simplified process for routers. Implementation of IPv6 started in 1998 but the transition is yet to be complete; as of 2008 IPv6 still accounted for only a small portion of the web traffic present on the internet. In 2008 the Beijing Summer Olympics were a showcase for the capabilities of IPv6. All network applications related to the games were conducted using the IPv6 network. While IPv6 is still in its infancy it is clear it will play an important part in the future of the internet. Evidence of this was seen in 2009 when Google announced it would extend its IPv6 initiative.