There’s a new web coming, and the test run will be on June 8. That’s the date when Facebook, Google, Yahoo, Limelight Networks, the Internet Society, Akamai and others will run a 24-hour, real-world test of IPv6.
Given the traffic volume of those sites alone, the test might give some indication if there are any issues to be worked out before the newest IP technology begins a more accelerated rollout. In addition to testing the new protocol under actual traffic, World IPv6 Day is also intended to raise awareness of the transition, which many industry observers say needs to make substantial strides this year.
IPv6 Test Site
IPv6, the successor to the current IPv4, is needed primarily because the web is running out of addresses — as early as next November in some markets.
The Internet Society said the goal of the test is “to motivate organizations across the industry — Internet service providers, hardware makers, operating-system vendors, and web companies — to prepare their services for IPv6 to ensure a successful transition as IPv4 addresses run out.”
The society said Internet users will not need to do anything differently on the day, as Internet service providers, web services, and OS manufacturers will be “updating their systems to ensure Internet users enjoy uninterrupted service.” The group added that a few users, “in rare cases,” may have connectivity issues when visiting participating web sites. An IPv6 test site has been set up at http://test-ipv6.com/, and, if the test indicates a problem, users can contact their ISP to help fix the problem.
Three main factors are behind the upcoming address shortage. One is the explosion in web access from multiple devices for each user, primarily in developed countries. Each smartphone, laptop, tablet, desktop and other device that accesses the web requires a different IP or Internet Protocol address….