It is estimated that in three years time the addresses available for connecting to the Internet under the current protocol will be depleted. Faced with this situation, LACNIC is taking measures for supporting and promoting the adoption of IP version 6 within the region.
June 20, 2007 - Montevideo.-
As a response to the forecasts prepared by several investigators indicating that by the year 2011 the central pool of version 4 (IPv4) Internet addresses could be completely depleted, LACNIC announces it is launching a regional campaign so that all the region’s networks will be adapted to the new version 6 of the protocol (IPv6) before January 1st, 2011.
"It is a fact that IP addresses based on the current version of the protocol (IPv4) will be exhausted in the short term; it is estimated that less than 18% of the total number of IP version four addresses are still available,” said LACNIC’s Executive Director, Raúl Echeberría. He also noted that companies, governments and institutions should make the necessary previsions to adopt the protocol version six as soon as possible.
"We do not wish to create panic, but IP version four addresses are on the way to depletion. Therefore, we recommend preparing regional networks as soon as possible for using the Internet protocol version six. There are still many aspects that need to be decided in relation to the consumption of IPv4 addresses that remain unutilized. The impact of some of these decisions could allow us more time, while others could bring IPv4 depletion date even closer. LACNIC will periodically report to the community so that we can all be prepared,” added Mr. Echeberría.
Mr. Echeberría also observed that, based on a decision of LACNIC’s Board of Directors, this organization will begin a campaign comprising events and meetings in the region aimed at promoting the use of IPv6. This campaign will be complemented by permanently publishing relevant information on the issue. The goal of this campaign is that the region of Latin America and the Caribbean completes the IPv6 adoption process before January 1st, 2011.
In order to promote the transition and adaptation of the region’s networks, IPv6 resource allocations by LACNIC have no associated costs. Many strategic applications, such as those utilized by companies and government bodies, must be preserved, and awareness must be created of the consequences of not implementing adequate measures sufficiently in advance.
LACNIC’s Executive Director recounted the actions the institution has undertaken since 2004, one of the culminating moments of which was 2005, a year in which the IPv6 Tour was undertaken and meetings were held with governments and regulatory bodies of the region. “Just as with the Y2K problem, it is necessary to become aware of the imminent depletion of IPv4 addresses; therefore, the region must be prepared with due anticipation".
About LACNIC
The Internet Address Registry for Latin America and the Caribbean (LACNIC) is an international non-profit organization, the main function of which is to administrate the Internet numbering resources assigned to Latin America and the Caribbean. The organization’s goal is to achieve a responsible distribution of the available resources and ensure equitable access for all those interested and the region’s inhabitants.
More information at LACNIC Press press@lacnic.net
