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IP Version 6 (IPv6) FAQs

Last Updated: Wed, 03 Apr 2013 > Related Articles

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Summary

IP version 6 is the newest version of the Internet Protocol that allows for continued Internet growth over the existing IP version 4. This article provides general information about this newest Internet Protocol.

Solution

Cox is working diligently to ensure all networks, systems, and products are fully IPv6-enabled in preparation for IPv4 address exhaustion. To manage this migration, Cox has established an IPv6 Migration Program so that when the IPv4 addresses are exhausted, we will continue our business operations without interruption.

IPv4 vs. IPv6

IPv4 and IPv6 addresses are not compatible. A computer configured with an IPv4 address is unable to communicate with a computer or website that is configured with an IPv6 address.

We have created a short video to explain the IPv6 transition. Click the button below to view it.

Launch Video

What is IPv4?

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.

What is IPv6?

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.

How does the new IPv6 address differ from the IPv4 address?

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

Why could the IPv4 address not be expanded with additional octets?

Many proposals for the next-generation Internet Protocol were proposed and debated in the early 90s to address the IPv4 address shortage. The final compromise was for a 128 bit address schema supporting a base 64 bits for Interface addressing and another 64 bits for subnets. The amount of work to add two additional octets to IPv4 would have been equivalent to the amount of work to do IPv6.

IPv4 Exhaustion

What is IPv4 exhaustion?

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.

Why are IPv4 addresses used up so quickly?

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.

Who is impacted by IPv4 exhaustion?

All Internet Service Providers are faced with providing a migration path from IPv4 to IPv6 for all their customers. Cox is working to ensure that the impact to our customers will be minimal.

When will we run out of IPv4 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.

What is Cox doing about IPv4 exhaustion?

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.

How do I know if I am affected by IPv4 exhaustion?

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 Plans for IPv6

There are many IPv4 and IPv6 "transition" technologies that enable IPv4 and IPv6 host to communicate with each other. Cox has chosen "dual stack" as our transition method. In "dual stack", every networking device, computer, server, switch, router and firewall in the Cox network will be configured with an IPv4 and an IPv6 address, meaning "dual stacked." This enables Cox to process either IPv4 and/or IPv6 traffic at the same time.

Will I be affected when Cox changes to IPv6?

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.

When will the Cox network be upgraded to IPv6?

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 2013. Residential customer trials are planned for 2013. Cox Business customer trials are currently underway. Contact your Cox Business Account Executive or Sales Engineer for more information. Stay tuned for more announcements.


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