IPv6 Implementation: Structure,
Feasibility, and Business Ramifications
Abstract
The exponential growth of internet-connected devices has rendered the traditional Internet
Protocol version 4 (IPv4) insufficient. Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6), designed as the
successor to IPv4, addresses critical limitations such as address exhaustion and scalability.
This report provides a comprehensive exploration of IPv6, beginning with its structural
attributes, followed by an in-depth analysis of its implementation feasibility from technical,
economic, and operational perspectives. Furthermore, it discusses the business
ramifications, including transition costs, opportunities for innovation, and long-term
strategic benefits. Drawing on current research, industry practices, and implementation
case studies, this report argues that IPv6 adoption, though initially challenging, is
imperative for future-proofing global network infrastructure.
1. Introduction
The Internet Protocol (IP) is fundamental to internet communication, allowing devices to
identify and communicate with each other. IPv4, introduced in the early 1980s, utilizes a
32-bit address space, offering approximately 4.3 billion unique addresses. With the advent
of the Internet of Things (IoT), smartphones, and other connected devices, IPv4 has reached
its saturation point. In contrast, IPv6 uses a 128-bit address system, offering an almost
inexhaustible supply of IP addresses—around 3.4 x 10^38. The transition to IPv6 is not
merely a technical upgrade but a necessary evolution for maintaining internet growth and
efficiency.