Following reports this week that IPv4 web addresses are running out, companies have been warned they need to ensure they are prepared for the new IPv6 system.
The transition should not affect individual computers as most new operating systems are IPv6 compatible, but it is important that every business makes sure its infrastructure is ready.
Anyone lagging behind may find their customers are not able to use their web service. That means it is important for every company to check that their email and web servers run both IPv4 and IPv6 or Dual Stack.
Secondly, businesses should discuss their IPv6 compatibility with their ISP and hosting provider. This will help smooth the transition to IPv6.
The change may seem a bit confusing but the reasons behind it are simple. Computers, smartphones, servers, websites and many other things require an IP address.
The current system of IP addressing, called IPv4, allows for about 4 billion addresses. With the web experiencing near exponential growth and a global population estimated at just under 7 billion, there simply are not enough IP addresses to go around.
That is where IPv6 comes in. It has been around since the late 80s and will provide 340 trillion, 282 billion, 366 million, 920 thousand, 938 -- followed by 24 zeroes web addresses - a nearly infinite number.
The move to this means people will continue to get fast and easy access to the web from any of their devices. It is important that companies take steps to ensure they are compatible soon, as there are fewer than 5% of IPv4 web addresses left.
For most businesses, the change will be virtually seamless but it is important to be prepared.
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