ABSTRACT
IPv6 was initially developed in the early 1990s because of the anticipated need for more end-system addresses based on anticipated Internet growth, encompassing mobile phone deployment, smart home appliances, and billions of new users in developing countries (e.g., China and India). New technologies and applications such as VoIP, “always-on access” (e.g., Digital Subscriber Line and cable), Ethernet to the home, converged networks, and evolving ubiquitous computing applications will be driving this need even more in the next few years [IPV200501]. Figure 1.1 depicts one example of a converged network utilizing IPv6, with both local and wide area components as well as private and carrier-provided communications domains; the IPv6/IPv4 network shown in this figure supports video delivery, VoIP, Internet, intranet, and wireless services.
