Welcome to the IPv6 Information Page!

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What is IPv6?

IPv6 is short for "Internet Protocol Version 6". IPv6 is the "next generation" protocol designed by the IETF to replace the current version Internet Protocol, IP Version 4 ("IPv4").

Most of today's internet uses IPv4, which is now nearly twenty years old. IPv4 has been remarkably resilient in spite of its age, but it is beginning to have problems. Most importantly, there is a growing shortage of IPv4 addresses, which are needed by all new machines added to the Internet.

IPv6 fixes a number of problems in IPv4, such as the limited number of available IPv4 addresses. It also adds many improvements to IPv4 in areas such as routing and network autoconfiguration. IPv6 is expected to gradually replace IPv4, with the two coexisting for a number of years during a transition period.

Some introductory information about the protocol can be found in our IPv6 FAQ. For those interested in the technical details, we have a list of IPv6 related specifications.

Where can I get an IPv6 implementation for my system?

There is software available for most operating systems in common use today. Find your favorite OS on our list of IPv6 implementations. We also have a collection of "how to install" documents for various systems.

What applications run over IPv6 today?

Many common Internet applications already work with IPv6, and more are being ported. See our list of IPv6 enabled applications.

How can I get help with IPv6? Or find out more about it?

A new mailing list for IPv6 users has been established. If you are interested in deploying IPv6 for your site, this could be a valuable resource for you. We've also compiled a list of other sites with IPv6 information.

We also maintain an anonymous ftp server. Several of our web pages contain links to items contained on it, or you can peruse it directly by clicking here.

If you have additions or improvements to submit, or can help with expanding these pages, please send us email.
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