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.