Delivering New Benefits

Elimination of Address Limitations - IPv6 (RFC 1883) increases network address space, which has obvious benefits for consumers. For the Department of Defense (DoD), the increased space means better support for the end-to-end exchange of information among the increasing numbers of highly computerized and interconnected soldiers, service platforms, sensor webs, and facilities that make up the net-centric Global Information Grid.

Network Performance Improvements - The use of 128-bit address space also enables route optimization. Eliminating the use of Network Address Translation (NAT) or special routers as foreign agents reduces performance overhead. Additionally, improved Multi-Cast and new Any-Cast support (RFC 2375) enable improved efficiency in simultaneous transmission of data. IPv6 enables a number of other routing improvements as well; these are discussed in detail in RFC 2185.

Integrated Quality of Service (QOS) Support - Operations in today’s C4I architectures make heavy use of video and traditional phone applications. IPv6 improvements will greatly improve the quality and extend the reach of these applications. Improved QOS will better enable the deployment of VoIP, delivering further efficiency and capabilities.

Reduced Network Administration Load - IPv6 supports Neighbor Discovery (RFC 2461) and Stateless Autoconfiguration (RFC 2462). These tools discover the presence of nodes and routing devices on the network, and detect configuration parameters on the network, thereby helping to minimize manual administration of networks in the DoD’s dynamic environment.

Native Support of Wireless and Mobility - Under IPv4, connectivity is limited within a given network. By comparison, IPv6 greatly improves one's ability to use mobile devices. It has the capability to deploy full mesh WiFi connectivity with and across disparate networks, even across countries. This allows the mobile forces to communicate within theatre operations with instruments such as PDA’s, VoIP wireless phones and other mobile devices.

Security is No Longer an Add-On - Though optional in IPv4, IPsec is mandatory in IPv6. The use of IPsec requires the use of the PKI trust model, currently in use within DoD for CAC implementation. IPv4 addressing band-aids, such as Network Address Translation (NAT) have increased security concerns when it comes to traceability. Conversely, if all items are addressable and Internet routable, as is the case with IPv6, traceability is inherent.