IPv6: The Future of the Web

The well-known IPv4 system is outdated. IPv6 is ready to take over. But when will the new standard be implemented everywhere? Hosttest researched and spoke with the CEO of ANEXIA GmbH, Mr Alexander Windbichler, about the new standard.

For your information: What is IPv6?

Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) is a standardised procedure by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) for transmitting data in packet-switched computer networks like the Internet. The new version (IPv6) is expected to eventually replace the previous version (IPv4) completely, as it offers a significantly higher number of possible addresses. The available IPv4 addresses are at risk of running out due to the constantly increasing number of devices on the Internet. The new numbering format can create around 4.3 billion different addresses.

Interview: The Future of the Web

ht: Good day, Mr Windbichler, could you briefly introduce your company to our readers?

an: Hello, Mr Keul, my name is Alexander Windbichler, and I am the CEO of ANEXIA in Germany and Austria. ANEXIA was established in 2006 as a sole proprietorship in Austria. In 2007, we became a GmbH. Due to significant growth, we founded ANEXIA Deutschland GmbH in Munich in 2009. Our location in Solingen was added in 2010. Planned locations for the first quarter of 2011 include Vienna and Cologne.

ANEXIA primarily focuses on professional managed hosting solutions for demanding customers and custom software solutions on mobile and web platforms.

Our clients include major companies like EA Sports or Logitech, as well as public institutions and numerous small and medium-sized enterprises.

ht: Could you explain to our readers in simple terms what the abbreviation IPv6 stands for?

an: Behind the abbreviation IPv6 is "Internet Protocol Version 6". In short, IPv6 (e.g. 2A00:11C0:1000:1::1) replaces the current IPv4 addresses (e.g. 193.33.114.139). This is due to the increasingly scarce number of freely assignable IPv4 addresses. Unlike IPv4 with just under 4.2 billion possible IP addresses, IPv6 offers the ability to address over 340 sextillion devices. Therefore, there should be no shortage of IP addresses in the future.

ht: In your opinion, what are the primary advantages and disadvantages of this new technology?

an: The primary advantage is clearly that the issues with the scarcity of IP addresses should finally be a thing of the past. In addition to some security aspects, there are also improvements in the implementation of QoS, and a few other points. A major disadvantage is the lack of NAT (Network Address Translation) implementation. Every IPv6 device inevitably has a public IP address, making it uniquely identifiable and vulnerable to cybercriminals.

ht: IPv6 has been a major topic of discussion in the media for some time now, but implementation has not yet taken place. In your opinion, what are the primary reasons for this?

an: This is because IPv6 is a completely different protocol and works completely differently. In order to continue to communicate normally in IP-based networks (the largest IP-based network being the Internet), all applications must understand IPv6. This includes fundamental network elements such as routers, end devices, servers, etc...

an: Currently, just under 5% of IP addresses are still available. If we extrapolate this with the current demand for IP addresses, we have less than a year to switch to IPv6. However, in general, this is more of a storm in a teacup. Once all IPv4 addresses are allocated, the further allocation policy will become stricter, empty IP space will be reclaimed, etc. - this does not mean that no new server will be connected to the network in a year. Nevertheless, the time should not be overlooked.

an: Our network has been equipped with native IPv6 for a year now - thus 100% IPv6 compatible. We have already attracted some customers who are using this technology. We have also established initial IPv6 peerings with other providers. Any customer who wishes to be equipped with IPv6 with us can be easily connected. The possibility of switching off all IPv4 components and only operating with IPv6 is technically practically impossible, as too many components on the Internet require IPv4. Therefore, the current IPv6 components are all operated in dual-stack mode. This simply means that every component using IPv6 is also assigned an IPv4 address.

ht: Your company has been embracing the new technology for some time now - when will the transition take place, and what would be the primary implications for consumers?

ht: Thank you for the detailed interview and continued success with the two new locations!

an: Thank you!

CEO Alexander Windbichler in the hosttest interview