IPv4 or Internet Protocol version 4 is the communication protocol used on the Internet for over 30 years. It is commonly recognized by its address notation of 192.0.2.27.

IPv6 or Internet Protocol version 6 is the successor to the Internet Protocol version 4 offering a vastly expanded address space, simplified header, and an auto-configuration option among other features.

IPv6 addresses are 128 bit where IPv4 addresses are 32 bit.

• IPv6 address: 2001:0578:0123:4567:89AB:CDEF:0123:4567
• IPv4 address: 192.0.2.27

The current Internet Protocol version 4, with its address notation of 192.0.2.27 is a finite number. This numbering schema, which has been used on the Internet nearly 30 years, is quickly approaching the end of its number of unassigned Internet addresses. As a result, there will be a time in the near future where no more new IPv4 addresses can be allocated.

The explosion in demand worldwide for devices such as laptop, desktop, and wireless devices able to communicate instantaneously using the public Internet has resulted in the rapid depletion of available Internet addresses.

Based on historical analysis of IPv4 consumption rates, we anticipate Cox will no longer be able to acquire IPv4 addresses from ARIN, the North American Regional Registry at some point in 2014.

Cox has established an IPv6 Migration Program to make sure that all Cox networks, systems, and products have IPv6 compatibility so that when the IPv4 addresses are exhausted, we will continue our business operations without interruption. We are in the process of developing the IPv6 migration plan for all of products and services.

If you are a current Cox High Speed Internet residential or Cox Business customer, you will not be impacted by IPv4 exhaustion in the near term. If you have Cox Optical Internet Service and have a need to implement IPv6 in the near future, you should contact your local Account Executive or System Engineer.

Cox is planning to fully support IPv6 in a way that is transparent to the customer experience. For customers with IPv6 capable devices and software, IPv6 will need to be enabled in your home equipment. When the Cox network is completely IPv6 enabled, your IPv4 and IPv6 Internet experience should be virtually the same.

Cox is working diligently to ensure all networks, systems, and products are fully IPv6-enabled in preparation for IPv4 address exhaustion. Cox began deployment of IPv6 on the Cox High Speed Optical backbone early in 2009 and is now in the process of enabling IPv6 throughout the remainder of the network. 

Network upgrades in the markets have started and are expected to be completed by year end 2012. Residential customer trials are planned for 2012. Cox Business customer trials are currently underway. Contact your Cox Business Account Executive or Sales Engineer for more information. Stay tuned for more announcements.