[Nepcert-list] Implementing IPv6 in 7 Steps

[Julian Vincent]

IPv6 is not a "maybe" that could be 10 or 20 years out in the future; it 
is a hard reality that you are going to encounter, possibly before the 
end of this decade.

1. Control the cost: It's not true that shifting to IPv6 would involve 
ripping out your existing network and putting in a full-scale 
replacement. If you've kept up with your product updates, a lot of your 
equipment would already be IPv6-capable. The products you need to check 
closely for IPv6 support are network management and security products, 
he says. You can also significantly reduce IPv6 implementation expenses 
with a good implementation plan that spans a multi-year timeline.

2. Embark on a feasibility study: IPv6 is not an objective; it's a 
potential solution to a problem. The first question to ask is, "What's 
the problem I'm trying to solve?" By identifying that you would be able 
to get a clear picture of where you are going, why you are going there 
and what you might face on the way.

3. Don't regard it as IPv6 transition; it's IPv6 implementation: 
Transition implies that you are replacing one technology with another, 
whereas implementation implies that you are adding a technology to what 
you already have. And in most cases, that's what you'll be doing with 
IPv6: adding it to your network, not replacing IPv4. The result means 
that IPv4 and IPv6 would coexist on your network.

4. Take stock: You must know what you have in order to understand what 
must be changed in an IPv6 implementation, and the only way to 
understand that is to take an inventory. A simple "supports IPv6" 
checkbox is insufficient; from the feasibility study you should know 
what IPv6 features must be supported, and your inventory checklist 
should reflect that.

5. Don't skip the all-important test lab: Setting up a test lab - 
whether as part of a plan to implement IPv6 or another technology - is 
important for the safe introduction of new technology into your network. 
This is true even if your organization has a small network, or if the 
network is managed by a service provider. Get the backing of those who 
sign the checks by explaining how the test lab would reduce operational 
expenses, reduce network risk, and increase network uptime and availability.

6. Set milestones and methodologies: Armed with the facts and data from 
the feasibility study, the inventory, and the results of your lab 
evaluations, you can establish accurate costs and set a realistic, 
detailed timeframe for your implementation project.

7. Start now on training: Plan to bring your understanding of IPv6 to 
the equivalent level with your understanding of IPv4. The good news is 
that because you already understand IPv4, getting up to speed on IPv6 is 
not difficult; it's not that different. a training plan that spans a 
reasonably long time -- two or three years or more -- can save you 
money. But again like the overall IPv6 implementation plan, you need to 
get started now on your training plan.

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