The Transition From IPv4 to IPv6

870 Words2 Pages

Introduction
Each day, millions of people around the world get on some sort of device that connects them to the internet where the answers they seek, or trying to seek, are there for the taking. However, since there are probably around a billion devices that connect to the internet, there must be a routing system in place to direct certain information to the devices that request it. Computers and devices have a system in place to direct pieces of information, called packets, to the right place. This system stack is based on four layers with the top layer being the application related, the second layer being transport, the third layer being the network layer, and lastly the physical layer. Each part has a specific process which helps deliver the message to the right device. Specifically, the networking layer will be looked upon as it relates to the address of the device.

When putting a stack into an example, one can relate the mail system. The application layer would include the writer and letter being sent. Since the writer is busy, the writer sends someone to put the mail in the mailbox which would be the transport layer. The next layer, the network layer, would be the actual address of the mailbox. Lastly, the physical layer is the process of getting the mail to the destination by stopping at other destinations such as the mail center, airport, and the post office. Each step is important in the process of making this work. However, there is a current problem that is being solved and it relates with the network layer. IP is the most commonly used tool in the network layer but the amount of addresses are running out. Before getting into the details of why that is happening. What exactly is IP?

What is IP?
IP, or internet protoco...

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...th the upgraded features in IPv6, companies may eventually switch over to IPv6 such as Facebook, Google, and Yahoo. The vast amount of address in IPv6 with its 128 bit address will assure that no replacement will be needed for quite a bit of time as the amount of addresses available equal to that of the number of known stars in space.

Works Cited

Segal, Ben. "A Short History of Internet Protocols at CERN." April 1995, n. pag. Print. .
Das, Kaushik . "IPv6 - The History and Timeline." IPv6.com. N.p.. Web. 4 Dec 2013. .
Spangler, Todd. "Internet Runs Out Of Addresses." Multichannel News 32.6 (2011): 18. Business Source Premier. Web. 6 Dec. 2013.
"World IPv6 Day List." Internet Society. N.p.. Web. 4 Dec 2013. .

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