The need to move the Internet from IPv4 to IPv6 is inevitable. Almost all of the addresses allowed by the 32 bit based addressing scheme used in IPv4 have been assigned. The 128 bit addressing scheme within IPv6 solves that issue. While the number of available addresses is a significant driver in the need for IPv6, this isn’t the only benefit to be derived. Other benefits include added security, mobility extensions, communication and addressing to the end device, etc.

The North America IPv6 Summit, one of the premier IPv6 shows in the world, was held on April 9-11 in Denver, Colorado.  It focused on educating people on IPv6, providing insight on how to make the transition from IPv4, showed products and technology capable of supporting IPv6. The attendees ranged in background from people just learning about IPv6 to people who are intimately involved with implementing IPv6 with all levels of experience in between.

The event has grown every year and has added breadth of knowledge and increased participation. It is not unusual to meet people from the all over the U.S. along with people from other countries such as Brazil, France, etc…  even Texas;)

The list of sponsors included a wide range of savvy companies and organization that have the foresight see the need to continue to improve the Internet.

This event was organized by the Rocky Mountain IPv6 Task Force (rmv6tf).  My hat is off to the members of the rmv6tf. This is a group of volunteers who see the inevitable need for the Internet to move to IPv6.  The group was formed in 2007 by a handful of dedicated technologists. They have organized this event every year since 2008 with consistency and quality to create the summit.

This event is one that was worthwhile to attend if you have any interest in the future of the Internet. Here is the site for information from the event: http://www.rmv6tf.org/IPv6Summit.htm