IPv6

Why the need for IPv6

IPv6 is the next generation protocol that will replace IPv4. The limited address space of IPv4 and the massive growth in internet usage and connections is the key reason for the changeover. The transition is industry-wide and requires the entire eco-system of IT suppliers and vendors to support IPv6.

While businesses have generally been slow to react to IPv6, many governments - including the Australian Government - have already set mandates for compliance. It is now becoming an important issue for large organisations and government agencies. For some organisations, it can enable a multitude of new capabilities and opportunities, yet for others it is a necessary transition to help ongoing operational robustness.

What does this mean for our Enterprise and Government customers?

We’ve been preparing for the transition in recent years. We are managing our current IPv4 address pool to help efficient usage, while progressively implementing IPv6 capability across our networks. Crucially, we recognise that to help minimise the transition risk for our customers, we have adopted a dual-stack approach, so that both IPv4 and IPv6 will function.

Our delivery of IPv6 is designed to minimise the impact on your services. You can continue to use IPv4 addresses, or new IPv6 addresses if you wish. You can rest assured that in the foreseeable future:

• We will continue to support IPv4 products
• Both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols will work in tandem
• Our services will work seamlessly across IPv4 and IPv6
• IPv6 capability will only be provided at your request

Telstra Professional Services can assist if you wish to transition to IPv6.

When will IPv6 be deployed?

Current Telstra products that offer IPv6 capability are:

• Telstra Internet Direct via Ethernet Line
• Telstra Internet Direct via Ethernet MAN
• Telstra Internet Direct via Ethernet Lite
• Telstra Internet Direct Premium Package (Ethernet MAN)
• Telstra Internet Direct Premium Package (Ethernet Lite)
• Telstra Business Broadband Ethernet
• Telstra IP MAN
• Telstra IP WAN via ADSL
• Telstra IP WAN via ATM
• Telstra IP WAN via Frame Relay
• Business IP via ADSL
• Business IP via Ethernet MAN

Minimise your risk in IPv6 deployment

Managing an IPv6 transition can be complex but we can help minimise the risk and help you ensure your networks continue to perform. We offer the latest network, architecture and solution expertise from designing, deploying, managing and improving some of the largest information, communication and technology environments in Australia. By leveraging our own implementation programs, we can provide solutions on how to deploy IPv6 for your organisation.

Find out more about IPv6:

IPv6 Professional Services (PDF, 327kB)
Transition: IPv4 to IPv6 white paper (PDF, 2.33MB)

The benefits of the dual stack technology for Telstra customers are:

• Continued service availability even as IPv4 addresses run out
• Smooth transition to IPv6 at own pace
• Native IPv6 connectivity which provides better performance than IPv6 tunnels
• Essentially unlimited Internet addressing
• Leverages the Telstra Next IP® network (for IP VPN Customers)

Telstra & IDC present Planning for IPv6

Cindy Borovick: Program VP, Datacenter and Enterprise Newtworks, IDC, talks about the market view of IPv6 - why now?, deployment options and essential guidance. David Robertson, Director Transport & Routing Engineering, Telstra, talks about Telstra's approach to IPv6.
Oct, 2011