International Journal of Computer Science Issues

More than a traditional journal...

The current version of the Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) addressing scheme is officially exhausted. Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) is the next generation internet protocol proposed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) to supplant the current IPv4. Every device connected to the internet is expected to support this new generation of the basic protocol of the internet. At the University of Fort Hare which is the test environment of this research work, the entire network infrastructure has over the years gone through various upgrade terminologies in an effort to promote continued provision of an enhanced integrated environment to its users. This, in some instances has actually seen the university having to go for private IPv4 address space to meet all its network address requirements due to shortage of IPv4 addresses, a phenomenon which forms the primary concern of introducing IPv6. The introduction of IPv6 is imminent, not only at this institution but in all institutions of higher learning around the country. IPv6 introduction will see the network benefiting in plenty of ways which include but not limited to infinite addressing space, advanced network performance, enhanced network security and improved quality of service. It is however very important to note that as a new type of technology, the specifics of IPv6 and its advanced implementation strategies can in a way add uniqueness to its introduction and deployment. Also, as is always the case, a new technology can present a huge project risk if its implementation is not executed properly. Therefore, we need a careful and strategic plan that takes into account the type of network on which deployment is to take place and provide possible solutions to any impending technical challenges expected to be faced. This paper hereby presents an exploration of the motivations for IPv6 deployment. It proceeds to provide possible solutions for technical challenges of IPv6 deployment and strategies for beginning a reliable, efficient and cost effective deployment of IPv6 on University Local Area Networks (LANs).