IPv6:
Move past the address limitations of IPv4

It’s time to move to IPv6—carefully.

IPv4 is reaching the end of the line: the regional Internet registries are almost completely out of addresses to allocate. For companies who need more address space, the only choice left is to buy it on the open market, a costly and time-consuming alternative. For most enterprises, it’s not a question of if, but rather when, to move to IPv6.

Fortunately, IPv6 is coming on strong. Most major service providers offer some level of IPv6 service, and a growing number of web hosting enterprises, content delivery networks (CDNs), and cloud providers support IPv6. Network equipment manufacturers are incorporating IPv6 into their products, although the details of those implementations vary from vendor to vendor. The infrastructure is in place to begin to migrate to IPv6.

However, caution is in order. There’s a lot more to IPv6 than simply longer addresses, which means that legacy web sites and other applications may not be usable in an IPv6 world. Customers need a disciplined, informed strategy to move smoothly to IPv6 without disrupting existing operations or alienating customers. TorreyPoint has a plan to get you there.

TorreyPoint’s IPv6 solution smoothes the migration to full IPv6 functionality
and provides the knowledge transfer that empowers your staff to make the transition, while minimizing the risk of disruptions to critical business operations.

IPv6 migration is not “one size fits all.”

Beware of consultants touting network address translation (NAT) or port address translation (PAT) as cure-alls for IPv4 address limitations. Both techniques provide a workaround for constricted address space, but also compromise the quality of Internet connectivity. Implementing these complicated protocols also requires specialized expertise that many IT groups lack. For these reasons, virtually all service providers and most enterprises have rejected NAT and PAT as long-term solutions.

Instead of a quick fix, build an IPv6 strategy that takes into account your organization’s unique needs and strengths. TorreyPoint has helped enterprises and service providers navigate their IPv6 migrations using a multistep process:

Readiness Evaluation

This critical first step determines the IPv6 readiness of your existing hardware and software— and what you need to do to be IPv6 ready. Our evaluation also looks at your service providers: Are they IPv6 ready? This assessment can be valuable information when service contracts come up for renewal. The readiness evaluation identifies the resources needed for the transition—and gets your platform ready for IPv6.

Architecture and Migration

Once your network is IPv6 ready, TorreyPoint designs an IPv6 architecture and migration path to your unique needs and constraints. We focus on the long-term goal, but also recommend transition techniques such as dual-stack or IPv4 to IPv6 translation that offer fast and cost-effective interim steps.

IPv6 Address Acquisition

Working with your local registry to secure IPv6 address space is often challenging and time-consuming, so outsourcing this task makes sense for many enterprises. TorreyPoint knows how to acquire addresses quickly and efficiently, freeing your IT staff for other projects.

IPv4 Address Monetization

There’s a hidden benefit in moving to IPv6: You free up IPv4 addresses that have significant value on the open market. However, the timing of these sales must be carefully planned to maximize your return and avoid selling addresses still needed for your operations. TorreyPoint consultants can assist both enterprise and service provider customers to identify the most valuable IPv4 addresses and even act as your agent in the actual sale.

IPv4 Address Acquisition

Even the most aggressive migration plan may not move fast enough to avoid the need for more IPv4 addresses. Buying IPv4 addresses on the open market is not for the inexperienced. By leveraging our strong relationships with key players in the industry, TorreyPoint can get you the best price for the IPv4 addresses you need—without burdening your in-house staff.

As IPv4 addresses run out, waiting is not an option. Call TorreyPoint today to begin your transition to IPv6—and prepare your organization for success on the Internet.