Week 6 - IPv6

IPv6 is the newest Internet Protocol (IP) standard created to replace IPv4, the protocol many Internet services still use today. Every computer, cell phone, and any other device connected to the Internet needs a numerical IP address in order to communicate with other devices. 

IPv4 uses a 32-bit addressing scheme to support billions of devices. Computer engineers realized that eventually there wouldn't be any unique address left, so they created a new standard. In 1998, IPv6, a new protocol that uses 128-bit addressing, was introduced. Instead of the IPv4 address method of four sets of 1 to 3 digit numbers, IPv6 uses eight groups of four hexadecimal digits, separated by colons.

So how do you know if you are using IPv6? You can check out this list to see if your ISP pr device is on it. You can also visit one of many free websites that test your IPv6 connection.

test-IPv6.com is an open-sourced web site dedicated to helping end users identify whether or not their IPv6 is working; and whether specific detectable errors are found. This is meant to be useful both to end users (with reasonably friendly terminology and explanations); as well as useful to help desks.

I decided to check my own IPv6 connection, and here is what I found:

I discovered that my ISP (COMCAST) is in fact using IPv6. I can also see what my IPv4 and IPv6 addresses are on the public Internet. It also says that my readiness score for IPv6 stability and readiness is a 10/10.

Under the Tests Run tab, I see what tests were run to determine my compatibility for when other websites start using IPv6. All of these tests came back "ok."

There is also a "For the Help Desk" tab on the right that has specific information you would need to give to your help desk technician if you were experiencing any issues. This information can help them troubleshoot the problem.

What sources have you found helpful for IPv6? And is your ISP using it yet?