Vint Cerf wants YOU to use IPv6

The IPv6 Transition

What is IPv6?
IPv6 is the next generation of the Internet Protocol, which is the language used by computers and other devices to communicate on the Internet. The current version, IPv4, only has enough addresses for 4 billion devices, and these addresses are being depleted quickly. By moving to IPv6, it will be possible for around 2128 (approx. 3.4 x 1034) devices to join the Internet.

Is the transition actually happening?
Yes! The Internet standards committees, all large Internet providers, and major organizations such as Google, Facebook, and many governments are all committed to IPv6 migration. Wikipedia has a nice round-up with more information: IPv6 Deployment.

How much time is left?
IPv4 addresses are assigned in a hierarchical fashion, first as large blocks by ICANN and then in smaller blocks by Regional Internet Registries such as ARIN and RIPE. The number of blocks still available for assignment by ICANN is currently in the single digits (Dec. 2010). For further discussion, see Geoff Huston's IPv4 Address Report and Hurricane Electric's IPv4 Exhaustian Counters.

Frequently Anticipated Questions

Who is Vint Cerf?
Vint Cerf is widely regarded as one of the inventors of the Internet for his work on designing TCP and IP with Bob Kahn. He currently works at Google and advocates for a better Internet. You can see him on PBS Newshour discussing the need for IPv6 during World IPv6 Day.

Can I get a bigger version?
Click on the image for a 5 in. x 7 in. PDF version.

Does Vint Cerf endorse this page?
Nobody endorses this page.

Why did you make this?
I think Vint Cerf makes a great Uncle Sam, and the IPv6 migration effort could use some more PR.

Why doesn't this website use IPv6?
I know -- sorry. I'm currently working with the campus' network staff on other projects more closely related to my research, but advocating for IPv6 connectivity is next!


In a nod to my friend Rob: Validation is like typechecking your webpage! XHTML, CSS