Ericsson, BT Wireless and SmarTone in Hong Kong have staged the world's first successful end-to-end demonstration of IPv6, the next-generation Internet Protocol, in a mobile network. The SmarTone trial was built on Ericsson's network-enabling IPv6 systems and know-how, together with BT Wireless' research and development activities. Ericsson, a leader in IPv6 development, has a long-term co- operative relationship with SmarTone in the leading edge Hong Kong operator's infrastructure development.
"We trialed IPv6 on SmarTone's mobile network, including GPRS with currently available software, and wireless LANs," stated Chris Fenton, 3G Service Development and Trial Manager at BT Wireless. "We also tested other scenarios, such as roaming between the fixed and wireless networks and IPv4/IPv6 interworking, all successfully." With the explosive growth of IP-based networks, devices and services, most experts believe that the 32-bit based IPv4 addresses will run out within the next few years. IPv6, with its 128-bit address base, will provide 38 3.4x10 available addresses - in other words, enough to accommodate an IP address for every imaginable Internet-ready device to come. IPv6 allows network architects to revisit many important IP-related issues in addition to the IP address shortage, such as security, quality of service, mobility, multicasting, and network management.
"A new level of end-to-end IP-based services and applications will be enabled by IPv6," stated Ulf Ewaldsson, Deputy Managing Director of Ericsson in Hong Kong. "IPv6 is an important part of the Ericsson vision, with billions of devices that are constantly on-line, providing the user with an uninterrupted, personalized and location-independent experience."
"It is crucial that we begin trialing IPv6 on our network as soon as possible, so that we can gain solid knowledge and insights of the potential it brings to the development of mobile Internet applications and services," said Stephen Chau, SmarTone's Chief Technical Officer. "The IPv6 trial further reinforces our commitment to meeting our customers' future communications needs. By incorporating IPv6, our customers will enjoy the convenience of 'always on, always connected' service brought to them by means of an unlimited supply of IP addresses, allocated to new mobile terminals and devices."
Read about Ipv6 at: http://www.ericsson.net/review/2000_01/article94.shtml
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