In the past we’ve talked about how the Internet’s key infrastructure has been getting ready for IPv6. In 2004, the first IPv6 glue was added to the root DNS zone for .JP and .KR but when you look at a part of the root zone today – the part related to ccTLDs derived from the ISO-3166-1 list – you can see that a huge proportion of TLD operators are ready for IPv6.
In 2008 another big step was taken, when IPv6 glue was added for six of the root DNS servers. Today, in 2012, nine have IPv6 glue and as the map below shows, IPv6 access to root DNS servers is widely spread around the world. While all L-root nodes are IPv6 capable, some are attached to networks that do not yet run IPv6, so only 68 of the 112 nodes deployed today are accessed over IPv6.
Beyond the DNS, major network backbones and IXPs have been IPv6 ready for years, too. Currently, 95% of Euro-IX’s 63 members have IPv6 peering LANs ate the exchanges they operate. This means that ISPs, the IXPs’ customers have been keen to make sure their peering platforms are ready for IPv6.
These are all major deliverables on the critical path to smooth IPv6 deployment. Now they’re done it’s time for content and access providers to offer content and access over IPv6. As the measurements make very clear, World IPv6 Launch delivered lots of content over IPv6 and a lot of large ISPs have been enabling their subscribers, with millions more to follow before the year end.
But those subscribers need IPv6 capable routers and modems in their homes so that they can access the Internet over IPv6. Five manufacturers are now offering home networking equipment that’s IPv6 enabled by default and available at low and medium price points. This is on top of the 17 IPv6 ready cable modem products available today.
All the jigsaw pieces are now available for successful IPv6 deployment to consumer Internet users.