Computer networks Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words - 1

Computer networks - Essay Example IP version 4. The protocol operates the network layer that is a third layer of the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model. Likewise, network layer incorporates addressing information and control information that enables data packets to be routed within the computer network ("Internet Protocol Version 6." 255-255). Moreover, IP version 6 is also considered or called as the next generation IP, as specified by the IEFT: RFC 2460 ("Internet Protocol Version 6." 255-255). However, the primary reason for upgrading the IP version 4 to IP version 6 is address space limitations. Moreover, other issues such as performance, security and auto configuration are considered secondary (Loshin 305). Likewise, address space limitations are linked with the IP address space crisis that is debatable since a very long time and it is considered as the primary motivational factor for the new version (Loshin 305). There were no doubts for the design, as it was remarkably well designed, however, the design w as created twenty years back and needs a review. Moreover, an increasing number of network threats are also addressed in IP version 6 and have more features as compare to IP version 4. Furthermore, in large and complex computer network environments, automated IP configuration reduces administration and configuration. IP version 6 addresses this issue by providing auto configurations of IP addresses. There are numerous research studies that have been carried out for IP version 6. They will be discussed in detail in the body of the report. Figure 1 source: (Che, Lewis 2010) 2 Why IPv6 ? The need for more and more addresses arise because an estimate through the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) reveals that about 85 percent of the IPv4 addresses are currently in use. The European Commission (EC) and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) before 2008 states that there is a need to migrate towards IPv6 urgently as they say â€Å"In the short-term, bus inesses and public authorities might be tempted to try to squeeze their needs into the strait jacket of the old system, but this would mean Europe is badly placed to take advantage of the latest Internet technology, and could face a crisis when the old system runs out of addresses. If Europeans are to use the latest Internet devices such as smart RFID tags in shops, factories, and airports, intelligent heating and lighting systems that save energy, and in-car networks and navigation systems, then we already face a thousand-fold increase in demand for IP addresses.† (Courtney 52-54). The same statement also includes that by 2010 every public and industry authorities must migrate towards IPV6. 3 Technical Evaluation 3.1 Technical Specifications of IPv6 The IPv6 is made up of numerous bits of network addresses. The number of bits varies from 32 bits to 128 bits or 3.4 x 1038 nodes that are addressable. They offer exceptional IP addresses that are different for every single networ k device on the globe. The packet related to the IPv6 consists of two major parts i.e. THE HEADER is the top most part and the primary 40 octets of the packet consist of 320 bits. Furthermore, the packet contains (Courtney 52-54): 1. Version The version of this IP is 6 (4-bit IP version) 2. Traffic class-packet priority (8-bits) The value of the priority is sub classified into several ranges. The traffic is delineated as the base that provides