Workshop 120 - IPv6 Transition: Economic and Technical Considerations

Overview provided of IPv6 versus IPv4 and some of the "myths" associated with IPv6 such as that it improves security (NOT TRUE!) and it improves routing scalability (also, NOT TRUE!)
Example (real experience) of co.za and the application and allocation of IPv6 in southern Africa provided by a small ISP.
Results from ALCATEL-LUCENT survey conducted on behalf of EU presented. Survey was conducted in Europe, Middle East and Central Asia. Indicates that only European orgs. "ahead of the game". Uptake of IPv6 is slow elsewhere. Major service providers however are addressing the transition seriously.

It was pointed out that revenue is not a major factor (it isn't for IPv4 either). Argued that the costs to switch are not anymore prohibitive than usual. It should be viewed as a part of the normal continuity/technology cycle process as a service provider. Another presenter contended that IPv4 will ultimately result in an increase in development and operation expenses as a result of free pool exhaustion. Costs involved mainly in terms of configuration and set up (time and money), purchase of addresses.

Argument that Quality of Experience is just as important for the end user as Quality of Service (end user doesn't care what he/she uses only that he can go online and do what he/she wants to do)

It was applauded that the Egyptians have set up an IPv6 wifi connection (done last night!)