IPv6: Enabling the Information Society

Highlights

All languages have syntactic rules. Those rules govern the structure of sentences and allow communication. The Internet also has its own language and its own syntax. All computers and electronic devices need that syntax to communicate on the web. It is known as the "Internet Protocol". The European Commission encourages the widespread adoption of its sixth version, the Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) on the basis of a specific action plan that should be fully implemented by 2010.

The adoption of IPv6 will facilitate the deployment of online mobile communications. It is also essential to ensure the growth and development of tomorrow's Internet. The mentioned action plan builds upon previous initiatives.

Why do we need an "Internet Protocol" ?

The Internet Protocol determines the assignment of all online IP addresses of our electronic devices. All PCs and electronic devices that connect to the web need one of these IPs to identify themselves and communicate with other PCs or devices. The first version of the Internet Protocol appeared in the 1970s. In 1984, its fourth version, "IPv4", became a global standard. However, over the years, an improved version has been developed: "IPv6".

Why does the Commission support the deployment of IPv6?

IPv6 provides many more IP addresses than previous IP versions, such as IPv4.

According to some estimates, the existing pool of 4 billion IP addresses provided by the IPv4 will be exhausted by 2011. IPv6 will allow every citizen, network operator or organization to have as many IP addresses as they need to connect every conceivable device to the Internet: mobile phones, car navigation systems, home appliances (such as fridges, lamps, heating devices, plugs), industrial equipment, etc. IPv6 would provide more locations in cyberspace than grains of sand on the world's beaches – billions of billions of IPs: 3.4×10³⁸ to be precise.

IPv6 offers many technological advantages that have significant economic impact.

Increased address space that is also easier to manage. With IPv6 a large number of devices or goods can be easily networked, at anytime and from anywhere (your home, your office, your car). IPv6 allows for "auto-configuration": the addition of a new device can be done without any further action. Applications such as Virtual Private Networks, Voice over Internet Protocols (VoIPs) or Peer-to-Peer Networking would also be easier to handle and more powerful.
A key driver for many new mobile/wireless applications and services which might be too complicated and/or costly in an IPv4 environment.
An essential technology for implementing ambient intelligence
Empowered users, who will be able to connect their own network to the Internet.
A competitive advantage for Europe in world markets. The technological opportunities IPv6 provides contribute to innovation and competitiveness.