IP Addresses set to run out - Do you have your domain registered?
IP addresses set to run out - experts warn
Numbers used to connect to the internet are running out fast.
For those who are unaware, every device that connects to the Internet needs a unique number to enable it to link with the rest of the devices on the network. These numbers are more commonly known as Internet protocol (IP) addresses, and devices that connect to the Internet today run on Internet protocol version 4 (IPv4). IPv4 developed just over 30 years ago, provides 4.3 billion IP addresses, but due to the extraordinary growth of the Internet and demand for internet connected devices over the past decade we are now running out of IPv4 addresses. As of February 2011, there are approximately 80 million potential addresses remaining, which may seem a lot, but at the current rate of consumption, it is been estimated that the IPv4 address pool will be completely exhausted by mid 2011.
What is the solution?
Industry experts have derived a solution to the problem, which involves moving to a new protocol IPv6, that provides trillions of addresses. The transition to IPv6 is the only practical long term solution, and also comes with benefits of increased internet security.
The transition period will take some time. so industry experts have come up with a strategy to allow users to migrate to IPv6 as they become ready and with minimal impact as possible.
The idea is based on the dual-stack approach, allowing both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses to co-exist until the transition to IPv6 is complete.
How does this affect Industry and Businesses?
The transition from IPv4 to IPv6 is a complex problem and will prove to be a major challenge especially for commercial organisations. The upfront costs for the industry will be high, which is likely to push up costs for consumers.
To ensure a smooth and successful transition, experts suggest the internet industry will need to take action in the following areas;
- Internet service providers need to make IPv6 connectivity available to their users.
- Hardware manufacturers may need to update firmware.
- Operating system vendors need to implement IPv6 ready software updates.
- Web companies need to offer their services over IPv6.
Recent Windows and Mac operating systems both support IPv6, including iPhones, and applications such as Word processing, Accounting and Graphic Software will not be affected.
Existing IPv4 networks and services using private IPv4 addresses will not be impacted and will continue to operate normally.
For most consumers and businesses, the impact will be small or hardly noticeable, especially small and medium-sized businesses,. This is because your business most likely uses an existing ISP (internet service provider), which handles most of the hardware and services that will need to be upgraded.
So as costs are predicted to rise to support the new technologies, now might be the time to register for a domain name and purchase that website you have always wanted.
Contact Zise today for a free quote 8947 4485 or info@zise.com.au
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