Introducing Internet Protocol Next Generation (IPng).

Predictions indicate that by the year 2010 – 2011 Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) addresses will have exhausted. As of October 2008 only 14% blocks are left for allocation by the IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority) to the RIRS (Regional Internet Registries). Theoretically 32 bits of IPv4 enables 4 billion hosts. Realistically the HD ratio limits IPv4 to 250 million hosts.

A transition is however underway and the Americas, Europe and Asia where the demand for internet and connectivity is too high, a new protocol has been introduced. This is what they have called IP Next Generation (IPng). While this might be news to some of us, it was initiated in December 1993 resulting into a request for comments (RFC).

This was later named "Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6)". This innovation has been questioned;

"Why another protocol?"

Considering IPv4 has been successful and some people think there are still more addresses left hence no need for another protocol. But the task force behind the IP next generation has the following reason to justify the need for the new protocol (IPv6); they say exponential internet growth has led to:

• Imminent exhaustion of address space

• Global routing table growth

The features for IPv6 have been provided [but] they are a bit technical.

Now the transition from IPv4 to IPv6 is process.

Now the technical implication of the new protocol versus the old protocol (IPv6 Vs IPv4) is a bit complicated but here are a few general implications: Some people say the prediction made does not have any immediate effects, and for a continent like Africa with limited connectivity this may not be an issue.
Experts are saying that if the transition is not made the prices for IPv4 addresses (which are all that we have in Africa at the moment) are likely to go too high in the near feature. And this will affect many internet users, justifying the need for the transition.

However IPv4 and IPv6 will still work hand in hand (technically). We should however note that there are hardware limitations; some hardware is limited to IPv4. The latest hardware (computers, laptops, mobile phones, remote controls and the like) have been manufactured in such a way that they are compatible with both protocols (IPv4 and IPv6).

Apparently AFRINIC (Africa Regional Internet Registry) had organized a two days training about IPv6 at Makerere University faculty of computing and information technology targeting internet service providers and organisations promoting the use of ICTs in Uganda.
WOUGNET registered for this training and the next training will be in Mauritius. The training will be free of charge but the trainees will meet their costs for travel, accommodation and upkeep during their stay in Mauritius. Please see AFRINIC website for details.