Letter of Authorization ii

IPv6 Prepared for Ms. Elka Leeds Instructor of Business Information Systems Kennesaw State University 1000 Chastain Road Kennesaw, GA 30144-5591 Prepared by Kevin Sedlacek Nicole Long Dana Zahler Elena Sarinana Adebimpe Adeyemi April 22, 2005 Letter of Authorization ii University System of Georgia Michael J. Coles College of Business Department of Management and Entrepreneurship January 23, 2009 BISM 2100 Students, The purpose of this assignment is to integrate the material you have learned about Business Information Systems into a coordinated report and presentation and to allow students to focus on an emerging technology. You are being asked to perform a detailed analysis of INTERNET PROTOCOL Version 6 (IPv6). This is a formal report and must follow the format provided in Chapter 8 Roebuck (2001). The formal report, at a minimum, should include information on:       Introduction to IPv6 – What is it? What will it do? How will it affect the internet as we know it today? The background of IPv6 – Why is a new version necessary? What problem is it trying to solve? Who is pushing for IPv6 to be realized? Issues related to IPv6 implementation – What does this mean for today’s business? For today’s personal user? Specific issues related to IPv6 – Security? IP address changeover? Dual systems? Describe the environmental issues – What do users need to know about dual stack mechanisms, routers, and packets? Competitive assessment - Why is the United States not at the forefront of this emerging technology? The information contained in your presentation will be used as a training tool for Information Technology Students and Staff. You will therefore want to present a carefully researched, thoughtfully written, and comprehensive formal report. Use a FORMAL REPORT structure for the report. Be creative and complete in your analyses and presentation. You should gather and include any analyses necessary to appropriately convey an understanding of the new protocol and its impact on business. Use both commercial and academic resources (Minimum of 5 each). Where appropriate, you should incorporate charts, graphs, or other visual aids to illustrate the facts you present both in your report and PowerPoint presentation. Use an internal attribution style. (APA) Written Report: Your managerial report must be submitted through WEBCT. (Each student must submit a copy of his or her team’s output through WebCT). Employ the “Seven C’s” of effective business writing and refer back to Chapter Eight - Improving Business Communication Skills (3rd Edition), Deborah Roebuck, 2001. Criteria: A comprehensive formal report employing the 7 C’s of business writing Thorough research of sources – academic and commercial Attributions and Citations done properly Operating Agreement included AFTER the Letter of Transmittal Detailed analysis covering requirements stated above Well developed recommendations 30 points 10 points 10 points 10 points 30 points 10 points Sincerely, Elke M Leeds Professor, BISM 2100 1 0 0 0 C H AS T A I N R O A D • K E N N E S AW, G EO R G I A • 3 0 1 4 4 P HO N E : 7 7 0 -4 2 3 - 6 58 4 • F A X : 7 7 0 - 42 3 - 6 6 0 1 Letter of Transmittal iii The Research Group 1000 Chastain Road Kennesaw, GA 30144-5591 April 5, 2005 Ms. Elka Leeds Instructor of Business Information Systems Kennesaw State University 1000 Chastain Road Kennesaw, GA 30144-5591 Dear Ms. Leeds, My team has completely the report and video presentation you requested. This report examines Internet Protocol Version 6, the new The report describes the differences between the current Internet Protocol (IPv4), and the discussed Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6). It discusses the potential advantages of integrating the new protocol, as well as the disadvantages it make incur as well. This report proved to be very enlightening, as well as a learning experience. At your request, I will discuss the report with you. Sincerely Kevin Sedlacek Kevin Sedlacek, Formal Report Writer iv. Dekan Inc. Team Operating Agreement I . Mission Statement: To work together efficiently as a group, and successfully accomplish the tasks at hand. II. Group Purpose: The purpose of the group is to competently form a collective presentation of information pertaining to Internet Protocol version 6. This will included a formal report, a website, and a presentation video. III. Voting Rights: While most management decisions are made informally, some decisions are too important or controversial that it is necessary to hold a formal vote. Because of this issue, there are two ways in which the group will split voting power: (1) The decision will be made through compromise and formal discussion, to be decided on during official meeting times. (2) If an agreement cannot be made through compromise and formal discussion, then a vote will be required of all members. In the event of this situation, the majority will rule (3:2). Minor decisions occur frequently, and will make up the majority of all necessary decision making. Since minor decisions will make up most decisions, there will be two ways in which to vote on minor decisions (1) The decision will be decided on by all members present when the issue surfaces or all members the decision pertains to. (2) In the event of a continual disagreement, the ultimate decision will then be voted on by all members of the group during the next scheduled meeting. This system prevents any ties from occurring and allows the company to be run more effectively. IV: Group Structure: Team Leader/Strategic Planner – Nicole Long The strategic planner is responsible for coordinating and planning all activities of the team. They will take the lead role in completing the team Operating Agreement and will be an active participant with the Formal Report Writer. This individual should have strong communication and planning skills. They will construct a timetable for the project, manage all team communications, submit the report to Turnitin.com, and take ultimate responsibility for the timely completion of each related project. This includes monitoring of the discussion board, reminder emails to team members, and participation in projects as needed by other members Lead Researcher – Adebimpe Adeyemi The lead Researcher is a critical evaluator of resources used in the final project. This individual should be well versed in Internet and library database searches. They will be responsible for locating academic articles, white papers, and corporate resources for the Formal Report Writer. They will also be responsible for checking the authenticity of the ifnal report, including appropriate attributions, citations, and references. This indivual should possess attention to detail and be willing to assist the Formal Report Writer if additional resources are required. Presentation Technologist – Dana Zahler The Presentation Technologist is the technical lead on the digital video. This individual will pick a setting for the presentation – schedule camera checkout, coordinate production schedules with team members, and edit the digital video file in the Presentation Techhology Lab. This individual is responsible for the final submission via WebCT Team Homepage. Web Master- Elena Sariñana The Web Master will coordinate with team members on page layout, design, and style. A common theme will be chose that must be used on each team member’s page. The Web Master will work with team members to create, edit, link, and upload the final page. The web master is responsible for combining and making the group web page. Formal Report Writer- Kevin Sedlacek The Formal Report Writer is the lead writer. This individual will take the research provided from the Research Lead and coordinate it into a structured format report. The Formal Report Writer may ask the Research Lead for writing assistance if required. This individual should possess strong time management, business writing, and Microsoft Word skills. In addition to each specific person’s tasks, each member is responsible for creating their own page for the website, and will receive an individual grade for their effort (but will do so with the supervision and support of the webmaster). Each member is also responsible for keeping up with each other’s progress to make sure everything will be completed on time. While this task may be allotted specifically to the Strategic Planner, it is still a responsibility every member should consider their own. Members are also expected to help a member if he/she is having difficulty completing his/her own task. In the event of this situation, the member whose task it is, is expected to inform the other members about the difficulties that arise with enough notice so not to provide an inconvenience to the other members. All tasks can be completed on time if everyone does their job appropriately; therefore, it is also under this contract that each member agrees to do their best job they are capable of in order to ensure the completion of the assignment. V. Meetings: Meetings will be held at a minimum of one time a week. In the event that more time or discussion is needed, members may request to hold an additional meeting during the week at a tentative time (to be set at the time of request). The current day for each weekly meeting is Sunday. Meetings will be held at 7:00 PM in the Lunch Room of the Student Center. Times may vary week-to-week depending on each member’s availability. It is the responsibility of each member to inform the Strategic Planner each week what their availability is so he/she can set the most appropriate time for the group to get together. The meeting day may be changed, but only with a unanimous agreement by the members of Dekan Incorporated. VI. Attendance: Attendance to all group meetings is mandatory. Excuses will only be granted for work or other important reasons. Attendance is absolutely necessary during the specified time of each member’s leadership roles. The team member must plan on attending the meeting at all costs (only a few certain situations such as death or injury may prevent this) when their task is in its most crucial period. They must be able to set aside a time ahead of schedule when they can work on their project. It is also expected that each member attends class every day. This is in an effort that each member will be aware of what is expected of them for the overall project. VII. Preparation and Performance: All members of the group are responsible for their role and for contributing to other areas of the project. They are also expected to perform and be prepared in a timely fashion and participate in group meetings as well as contributing the video, formal report, research and web pages. The cost of any materials will be equally shared by all members, must be paid within at least one week of purchase, and a receipt is required for reimbursement. Each purchase must be approved by all members the group. Failure to reimburse other members will lead to a possible point deduction or late fee. Remember, which is defined by this company as being on time, grammatically correct and efficient, is required and necessary. There will be no individual liability. Each member must assume liability for the project in its entirety. Work submitted should be approved by all members before being turned in. This will prevent any arguing and allow each member to be responsible for each assignment completed. Only the individual web-pages will be graded separately. VIII. Non-Performance and Peer Review: Non-performance by a member would lead to a discussion with the individual at hand by the group to resolve the conflict. If the conflict continues, the instructor will be notified so the entire group will not be responsible for anything that member has done incorrectly or wrongly. In the event that this happens, the group must still complete the work and have an equal share in it. The member who refuses to perform will then be subjected to being fired from the group and be responsible for a separate project entirely on his/her own. Peer reviews should be completed and turned in on time by all members of the group. Each member is required to fairly grade the participation and work of other members. IX: Membership Withdrawal/Removal: A member may not withdraw from this company unless there is a condition or reasonable excuse which prevents him/her from working effectively and efficiently. A member may be removed from the group if he/she fails to complete work or work up to the standards the group has set for itself. In the event that this happens, the group will vote on the removal of the member, and then inform the teacher of his/her removal. X: Tentative Schedule:      Sundays Meetings April 22nd – Formal Report Due April 29th – Video presentation File Due April 29th – Web Page Due May 2 nd – Presentation Review and Analysis Due XI. Project Requirements Outlined (tentative): Week 11: The Strategic Planners needs to have “contract” printed, edited, and signed by Tuesday the 22 nd. He/She must set a team meeting to discuss web sites and research. Week 12: The Web Master must have a web page template ready for use by Tuesday at the start of class. This includes style, layout, graphics, backgrounds, and graphics. All members are responsible for producing individual web pages and must get them to the Web Master at the time he/she requires. All resources are due to the Lead Researcher before group meeting this week for final reference list. Everyone needs to provide print screens. To do this, refer to the handout from class. Week 13: By Monday at 4:00 PM, all members must have completed the Web Page Evaluation form. The Lead Researcher and the Formal Report Writer, with help from group, should be finalizing the formal report and plans so that the paper can be produced and edited before due date. Week 14: The formal report should be ready for revision and completion by class on Tuesday. A group meeting for revision should be made with mandatory attendance. The Presentation Technologist needs to plan out the following: presentation, camera checkout, filming location and editing times. The Strategic Planner has a final responsibility of turning in paper. Camera needs to be reserved by 4:00 PM on Friday along with an editing time. The group must have a set time for filming by Friday. Week 15: The Presentation Technologist needs to set a time for editing and have a camera checked out (due). Continue work on the rough draft of paper. The paper must be submitted by each member in order to receive their grade. Everyone must attend filming! Everyone must have the pdt quiz completed to gain access to the editing station. The Presentation Technologist or the Strategic Planner must obtain the pdt training manual. Week 16: Final editing must be completed by the Presentation Technologist, and all members must approve prior to submission. The Web Master needs to upload the formal report to the main website, and he/she needs to check on the display and functionality of website. Each individual must have the report linked from their own websites. Peer review must be done prior to grading date listed at a later time. XII. Signatures of Members: In accord with the laws of the United States and the State of Georgia, I hereby declare that I in agreement with all rules and regulations stated above. I agree with all terms and conditions of this contract and adopt this agreement as the operating agreement of the team: March 22 nd, 2005 Member Name: Signature:_______________________________________________________ Member Name: Signature:_______________________________________________________ Member Name: Signature:_______________________________________________________ Member Name: Signature:_______________________________________________________ Member Name: Signature:________________________________________________________ TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter of Authorization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ii Letter of Transmittal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii Operating Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iv Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .v Background Scope of the Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Limitations of the Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Sources and Methods of Data Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Report Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Internet Protocol Version 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Possible Hosts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Delivery System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 History of IPv6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Creation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Advantages of IPv6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Potential Hosts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Potential Advantages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Autoconfiguration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Peer-to-peer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Improved Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Transitioning from IPv4 to IPv6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 First Movers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Lab Rat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Internal Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Potential Drawbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Conclusions and Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Works Cited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 v ABSTRACT In today’s market, internet capable appliances have been selling quickly. People simply want to be able to connect with other people easily. The current Internet Protocol, IPv4, is not capable of handling the ever increasing addresses. So researchers began in 1994 developing a new version of Internet Protocol version 4, called Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6). This protocol was designed to overcome the problems associated with IPv4. The point of IPv6 is to take the evolutionary step from IPv4. It is not designed to take an extreme jump away from IPv4. In fact, the functions that worked with IPv4 were kept when designing IPv6, but the functions which did not work were removed. This formal report will explain in full the benefits of changing the current Internet protocol to version 6, as well as some of its drawbacks. Understanding these issues will help a company know what to prepare for in the future. INTERNET PROTOCOL VERSION 6: THE NEXT STEP This report contains information on the development of Internet Protocol version 6, a new protocol version that while in the beginning stages of its implementation will drastically improve the quality as well as performance of the Internet. Although there are disadvantages to its initial implementation, it will inevitably prove to be a necessary part of the Internet because of its many improvements and security features. The background section of the report gives the scope of the report, its limitations, sources and methods of data collection, and the report organization. Scope of the Report This report provides information on the current innovation on Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4): Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6). It lists potential advantages and disadvantages of the net protocol, and gives projected as well as data-collected information on IPv6. Moreover, the report also lists the limitations of continuing to use IPv4 as the current Internet Protocol. This report provides basic and untested information on IPv6. Its initial implementation has been minimal, so much of information collected on this protocol is based on theory, and has not been proven to perform in the exact way it describes. It does, however, give projected and reasonable figures as well as information on its believed capabilities. Limitations of the Report The research provides has not all been proven in tested runs of the protocol. Similarly, many of the figures mention are projects and are not accurate, but rather gives a reasonable estimate as to what the expectancies of the protocol are. Also, it is hard to estimate what a program is capable of on a large scale, and how it will actually perform. There is no doubt that IPv6 is a drastic improvement on IPv4; however, more research needs to be collected in order to accurately determine its capabilities. Sources and Methods of Data Collection The report relies heavily on secondary data sources. Our researcher used several online programs to locate potential books and online websites that may have been of interest or use to the research needed to write the formal report. The teams gathered important information for different topics associated with IPv6 that would be beneficial to the lead research and formal report writer. This research was then later used in preparing the video presentation. Report Organization This report has six major parts: The Current Internet Protocol (IPv4), the History of IPv6, the Advantages of IPv6, the Disadvantages of IPv6, and Transitioning from IPv4 to IPv6. Thank you for your time, and we hope the following proves to be informative for you: INTERNET PROTOCOL VERSION 4 This section provides information about the existing Internet protocol: Internet Protocol version 4. It lists details about the protocol, as well as its current limitations. The main emphasis of this section will be on its components, possible hosts, and delivery system. Components IPv4, despite its age, has been resilient in the existing market; however, because the internet continues to grow in size and because its user base increases, its future is limited. The 32-bit size addresses that IPv4 use are causing the Internet routing to become strained. Similarly, IPv4 addresses lack the ability to form complex hierarchal structures, which save space and increase routing efficiency (Hinden, 2003). Possible Hosts Theoretically, the IPv4 system is supposed to allow for roughly 4 billion hosts, but this number is extremely limited because of the need to continually give out addresses. Even if 4 billion hosts actually could exist, it would be inevitable that they would run dry (Talley, 1998). This is because many people in developed countries now use three to four Internet based appliances, ranging not only from computers, but also to cell phones, home appliances, and video game systems. This number will eventually run dry as new users log onto the Internet and other wireless services. This has been a growing concern, which is why it is important to increase the number of possible address sizes. Delivery System As stated previously, the IPv4 system does not run off of a complex hierarchal structure. In fact, IPv4 lacks in the way it delineates addresses. Because of this, it is often difficult to determine where an address is located geographically, or where it is located in its own network. This system also prevents all of the space on a routing table from being used in a network, and routers often send information to these tables with gaps and blank spaces everywhere just so it can reach its target. Even worse, when the information transmits itself from its host to the target, it can be lost in the process, damaged, duplicated, or even delayed periodically. In the situation that the information is delayed, a message can even eventually be discarded. This delivery system, while still effective, includes in it many flaws that slow down router speed. HISTORY OF IPV6 In many situations, it is often beneficial to understand the reasoning behind a product or invention. Understanding its history up to present is important in ensuring the future of the product or invention. This is why it is important to understand the reasons why IPv6 is the next step in the future of the Internet. Creation In 1994, the Internet Engineering Task Force described the necessity for Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6), a ground-breaking step from the existing Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4). This new technology, which has slowly been being integrated into the Internet, will advance and expand current services for companies, draw new customers, boost company revenues, and help companies beat their competitors. In 2004, the United States had its first IPv6 Summit, and in May 2005, it will have its first Coalition Summit for IPv6. The United States is already on its way to implementing IPv6 into its Internet economy (United States, 2004). ADVANTAGES OF IPV6 This sections discusses the advantages that will arise from implementing IPv6 fully into the system. It will discuss the overall benefits of a global implementation. IPv6 was essentially created to fix all the problems that existed in IPv4. This section will focus mainly on potential hosts, the potential delivery system, autoconfiguration, peer-to-peer, and improved security. Potential Hosts Pv6 uses 128-bit addresses, as compared to the 32-bit addresses that exist in IPv4. Using this system, it can theoretically allow for 340 trillion, trillion, trillion hosts – quite a significant increase. This fact alone should prove that IPv6’s inexistence would be illadvised. Even more significantly, this would allow for 665 million billion addresses per square meter on Earth. It is important to remember that IPv6 will not only apply to computers, but other IP enabled devices such as cell phones. With the cell phone industry growing as it has been, this is yet another reason why it is important to introduce IPv6, because of the smaller and smaller amounts of addresses that become available each day. Potential Delivery System IPv6 will work around the problem with assigning addresses because it will work this system in a hierarchal fashion. Larger internet services will receive more addresses, who will in turn pass out smaller chunks of these addresses to smaller internet services, who will then, if they choose to, pass out these addresses even farther down the line. This system will not only reduce the cost of Internet routers, but it will also simplify the Internet routing system. This is because IPv4 uses packet headers in different sizes, while IPv6 uses a standard fixed size of 24 bytes, greatly reducing the work and time for Internet routers. Even further, an anycast address will also become available. This address identifies sets of nodes where a letter sent to an anycast address is delivered. This allows anycast addresses to be controlled by a node. This node can determine which path the letter should take in order to avoid problems. Autoconfiguration IPv6 will also auto-configure addresses, so connecting to the Internet will be even easier. Autoconfiguration should make it easy for IP devices, printers, and digital cameras to connect to the Internet. Home appliances, cell phones, and other devices will be able to automatically connect to the internet and obtain their new unique IP addresses. This will make the transitioning phase easier, because it reduces the amount of appliances that have to be replaced or updated to work successfully with IPv6. It will also make it easier for mobile devices to move quickly and easily along foreign markets, acquiring a new address to connect to satellites depending on their location (Lee 2005). IPv6 is also available to use on many browsers, including Linux (Fernberg 1997). Peer-to-Peer For those in the market that still find peer-to-peer devices such as BitTorrent and KaZaA safe, IPv6 will also make this easier for them. Service providers, such as the former two listed, as well as interactive chat-rooms and online gambling, which are also peer-to-peer based, will benefit greatly from IPv6 because they will be able to earn larger revenues. This is because the IPv4 system had many restrictions that prevented it from getting the full potential of a peer-to-peer network. Currently, several peer-to-peer networks exist on the market, including Microsoft’s peer-to-peer network (Microsoft TechNet, 2003) Improved Security In addition, IPv6 will also reduce network administration, reducing risks and helping to make companies more efficient. This is because it is unnecessary to run all the regulations and rules that are a part of IPv4. Network administration will be reduced because IPv6 will not require the need for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol on most servers, greatly lessening the need for this application. This will make it easier to regulate a server and keep it safe for the company. TRANSITIONING FROM IPV4 TO IPV6 This section describes the problems with transitioning from IPv4 to IPv6, but also gives companies an idea about how and when they should transition to the new system. This section is divided into : First Movers, Lab Rats, Internal Implementation, and Potential Drawbacks. First Movers There is a strong emphasis on the first big companies that will move over, because they will be able to benefit from the early gains that are associated with first movers. Since it is inevitable that IPv4 will be replaced by IPv6, they do not have to worry as much about a fear of IPv6 being ill-received by the public. They only have to be anxious about whether or not its initial run will prove to be successful, or whether the program will fail and have to be reprogrammed, losing them money. Lab Rat Unfortunately, transitioning from IPv4 to IPv6 will not be easy. Currently, there is an experimental version of IPv6 that runs internationally. Its existence is important, because it will hopefully help technicians aware of what steps they need to take in order to make transitioning a company easier and more efficient. Even further, much is being done in order to increase compatibility of applications with IPv6. Many Internet protocols are currently being upgraded in order help ease the transition. Internal Implementation To further make transitioning easy, it is important for companies to begin creating applications that are IPv6 enabled. It is also necessary for those who will work with IPv6 to learn the new skills needed to help run this new system. This also makes it increasingly demanding on those who work with IPv4 to learn these skills that would be necessary to prevent losing their jobs. The demand for people who have these skills would be around for awhile, making this and increasingly demanded job (Talley 1998). Potential Drawbacks Unfortunately, it is also important to consider the drawbacks of this system. While IPv6 proves to be necessary, costs of implementing this service would be high. Many older parts would not be upgradeable, making it expensive to purchase new ones. Implementation costs would be expensive, as well as transitioning a company from IPv4 to IPv6. Servers on the IPv6 network would also be unable to access those in the IPv4 network, which could be detrimental to a company in the beginning stages of implementation. It is important for companies to recognize the need for existing on both servers until IPv6 existence is substantial enough in the current market. Also, costs of recruiting laborers who are fluent in the new skills necessary would be high, because demand for them is so great. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Despite the draw backs of transitioning to a new protocol, IPv6 proves to be necessary on the current market. It will help increase the Internet’s potential as well as expanding the number of addresses allowed on the Internet. In today’s market, where more and more devices are being enabled to connect to the internet – from cell phones, computers, printers, video game systems, and even home appliances – it is a growing issue that the Internet’s capabilities and size need to be increased so their full potential can be tapped into. IPv6 offers many new capabilities, including autoconfiguration and improved Internet security. It seems not only inevitable, but a real possibility that IPv6 will be integrated into the Internet very soon. While the findings in this report show that transitioning into the new version of the Internet protocol could cause potential problems, there are still many more advantages to implementing it early in its transition phase in order to be one of the first companies ready to tackle the new version of the Internet. Therefore, we make the following recommendations: 1. A company should begin implementing IPv6 into itself in order to receive the benefits of being a first mover. 2. A company should begin either hiring or training current workers who will be fluent in the new Internet protocol in order to help save money initially. 3. A company should begin building a hierarchal structure upon implementation in order to get all the benefits from IPv6. 4. A company should continue to run off of IPv4 in order to continue making revenue from that, but also move to the new IPv6 system. This will help a company work from both sides until IPv4 eventually fades out as IPv6 takes over. WORKS CITED Fernberg, Lars. (1997, March 1). RADVD Introduction. Retrieved April 15, 2005 from the World Wide Web: http://www.linuxhq.com/IPv6/radvd.html Hinden, Robert. (2003, January 3). IP Version 6 (IPv6). Sun Microsystems. 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