[May 09, 2005] Larstan Business Reports NewsFlash Tweet WASHINGTON --(Business Wire)-- May 9, 2005 -- Larstan Business Reports -0- *T The New Y2K: Defense Driving Next-Generation Internet By John Persinos, Larstan Business Reports *T The Department of Defense (DoD) is transitioning its information systems to Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6), a sweeping change that technology insiders put on a par with Y2K. DoD has decreed that its "Global Information Grid" be compatible with IPv6 by 2008. This year's defense appropriation spells out, for the first time, a roadmap for DoD's incremental adoption of the next-generation protocol. DoD must provide to Congress an IPv6 Test and Evaluation Plan by September 30. The transition will top the agenda at the "Coalition Summit for IPv6," May 23-26, Reston, VA (http://www.usipv6.com). "The military's goal of 21st century network-centric warfare is impossible without IPv6," asserts summit chairman Alex Lightman. "2008 is our Y2K." The plan calls for DoD to assess burgeoning commercial use of the protocol. Lightman estimates DoD will spend $250 million on IPv6 transition, emphasizing that the figure is a projection that relates to management and engineering, not deployment. Lightman says research into the ramifications of IPv6 is needed to raise awareness of the stakes involved. Internet protocols define how computers and other devices communicate. Most hardware and software today use IPv4, prevalent for nearly 30 years. The Internet community developed IPv6, to provide more space for IP addresses and greater connectivity. "As network and security vendors roll out new products, they will increasingly incorporate IPv6 compatibility," says Alan Bavosa, senior product manager, Juniper Networks, Sunnyvale, Calif. "IPv6 allows the connection of several computers with mobile phones, vehicles and other devices." Rod Murchison, senior director, product management, Juniper, says his company has made it a strategic imperative to be proactive with IPv6 adoption. "Our M-series Internet routers allow service providers and carriers to run IPv6 and IPv4 concurrently in production networks, without sacrificing performance, easing the difficulties of protocol transition," he says. "We've made all of our core products -- our routers and firewall-VPNs -- compatible with both protocols." Murchison adds that IPv6's superior capabilities are necessary to wage the asymmetrical conflicts that characterize the war against terror. IPv6 forms the cornerstone of the Pentagon's drive to enhance mobility, agility and interoperability among the armed services. Under this military "transformation," net-centric operations link disparate battlefield segments, for real-time situational awareness. IPv6's improved end-to-end security also is critical for DoD intranets, which process classified traffic. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]