IPv6 big switch-on set for 6 June

A broad switch-on for the IPv6 internet protocol is set to take place on 6 June, with a number of companies enabling the newer standard.

The companies behind the Internet Society said the date will mark the first time participating equipment manufacturers and service providers would be permanently enabling their devices and services to support the newer standard.

Both hardware vendors and government agencies have been encouraging firms to add support for the new standard in recent months.

The move follows last year's IPv6 day, when many sites and service providers participated in a widespread test of the newer protocol.

Designed to eventually displace the existing IPv4 standard, IPv6 vastly increases the number of addresses available for new sites, going from a 32-bit address range to a massive 128-bit.

"This is the only way to ensure a consistent user experience once we reach IPv4 exhaustion," said RIPE NCC chief scientist Daniel Karrenberg

"Operational experience and measurements on World IPv6 Launch will help content providers and ISPs to identify and rectify any potential problems with delivering services over IPv6."

The impending shift has not been without its dangers, however. Some groups have warned that the new protocol could leave users vulnerable to cyber crime.

Because nodes on IPv6 cannot communicate directly with those still using IPv4, carrier support in particular is essential to ensure smooth operation during the lenghty period when both systems will be operating side by side.

But firms remain optimistic about the switch-on. Cisco chief John Chambers, has maintained that the protocol will be important for all web users and vendors.

"As a leader in the development of IPv6 since its inception, Cisco is excited to be an integral part of the industry working together toward the World IPv6 Launch organised by the Internet Society," Chambers said.

"In addition to the continued support for IPv6 we have in our products today; we will be joining other web sites around the world by permanently enabling IPv6."