IPv6NET: A Collection of Methodologies for Evaluating IPv6 Transition Technologies

GEORGESCU LIVIU MARIUS (1461208)


In 1998, IPv6 was introduced to solve the address shortage created by IPv4. However, the transition period which should have brought the end of the IPv4 era has no clear end in sight. With about 5% worldwide deployment rate, IPv6 still looks like a promise and the IPv6 transition like an ongoing challenge. To support network operators in this challenge, the IETF has proposed multiple IPv6 transition and coexistence technologies. Following the standardized specifications, various implementations have been introduced as well. Considering the internal policies of each network operator, one or more technologies could be considered suitable to complete the transition to IPv6. In this context, a problem remains open: which one of these transition technologies is more suitable than the rest? To support network operators solve this problem, we are proposing a collection of practical evaluation methodologies, exploring four feasibility dimensions of transition technologies: network performance, scalability, security and operational capability. The methodologies were associated with a heterogeneous IPv4 and IPv6 network testbed, which we called the IPv6 Network Evaluation Testbed (IPv6NET). In order to validate these methodologies, we have used them to analyze the feasibility of two open source transition implementations, covering multiple transition technologies. The feasibility analysis was based on practical means, employing existing running code and empirical measurements. To that end, we are showing how network performance, scalability, security and operational capability data can be obtained, analyzed and compared. As a mean to refine the methodology and consider the input of various interested operators and vendors, we have worked on standardizing parts of the proposal in the IETF, within the BMWG and OPSEC working groups.