What is IPv6

The IPv6 is a next-generation Internet protocol (IP) developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) to correct problems with the current Internet IP (IPv4). The IETF, a standardization group, stipulates basic strategies regarding Internet architecture. The group regulates IP and is considering IPv6 as the next-generation IP standard protocol.

Features:

*	Addresses will be expanded from 32 bits (IPv4) to 128 bits. This will increase the number of available IP addresses from 4.3 billion at present to approximately 4.3 billion to the fourth power, thereby providing virtually unlimited number of global IP addresses, an inherent worldwide address.
*	With this increase in addresses, the network address translator (NAT)*1 that has been used to compensate for address shortages will become unnecessary. This will allow peer-to-peer access between all terminals.
*	Advanced functions of the Internet will become easily available, since IPv6 standardizes IPsec, multicast and quality of service (QoS) functions.
*	Auto configuration of addresses will make the Internet readily compatible with home appliances, mobile terminals, and sensors, etc.

Use of the NAT due to the shortage of addresses has allowed only one-way access from corporate terminals to the Internet server. However, IPv6 provides all terminals with one and only global address, so the NAT will be unnecessary. Moreover, two-way access will become possible for applications such as remote operation of home appliances via mobile terminals and secure end-to-end communications between terminals (see Reference).

The continuing spread of IPv6 will lead to new Internet businesses, including wider use of home appliances, as well as advanced Intranet and extranet applications.

^*1NAT: A device to transfer private addresses allocated within corporations to global addresses for the Internet.