[NTLUG:Discuss] IPv4 Exhaustion

[Chris Cox]

On 12/17/2010 09:35 AM, Michael Barnes wrote:
> Now that the claims we will reach IPv4 exhaustion by late February or
> early March, how will this affect you and what are your plans?  I
> haven't been paying attention to a lot of it, but I do know on
> occasion I have had to disable IPv6 to get things to work properly.

Most things are getting IPv6 ready.  Our entire network (internally) is IPv6
enabled and we handle IPv6 in our DNS (both records and listening).


> 
> I'm just curious how others are dealing with this.

The problem lies with the Internet providers (the telcos) and NOT with corporate
IT.  When AT&T and Sprint, etc. are READY for IPv6, then maybe the revolution
will occur.  BUT they are NOT ready....

Also, going IPv6 means that 90% of people will either have to gut everything
network wise or engage in VERY expensive upgrades.  Most people do not
understand the horsepower (and related cost) required to handle IPv6 (fully).

Look for the gov't (which likes spending right now) to provide a "voucher" just
like they did with HDTV (ATSC) so help people go to IPv6.... but I don't see
that happening for AT LEAST 5 YEARS... possible 8 YEARS (or even more).

Since the good ole USA owns the lion share of IPv4 space, and several companies
SIT on large caches, even FULL CLASS A ranges (that are less than 10% utilized),
there CAN be an elongated period of IPv4 use in the USA.  And it could force the
world to WAIT... but the world is slowly shifting away from USA dependence... so
who knows.