Faced with increasing demand for Internet protocol addresses, better quality of service and security, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on Monday recommended a transition from the existing version of Internet protocol (IPv4) to the next-generation IPv6 platform.
IPv6 has the capacity to expand the available address space on the Internet enormously and can also provide better quality of service. In addition, IPv6 is designed to promote higher flexibility, functionality and enhanced security.
The regulator has proposed the setting up of a National Internet Registry in the country, within the framework of the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre, and the Regional Internet Registry, utilising the existing set-up of National Internet Exchange of India. Currently all users in India buy their Internet protocol addresses from the APNIC.
The regulator has also called for the enlargement of the existing IPv6 test bed of ERNET to make it countrywide and accessible. It has also suggested upgrading of NIXI as a national testbed for IPv6 and interconnectivity among its various nodes to provide access to all Internet service providers.
The regulator has asked the government to encourage agencies like Centre for Development of Telematics and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing to set up the IPv6 testbeds through funding from the Centre.
The regulator also said the definition of IP address mentioned in ISP licence needed to be amended to enable 128 bits to be used as needed for IPv6-based addressing, in place of 32 bits at present.
It has also called upon the government to mandate IPv6 compatibility in its own procurement of IT systems and networks in addition to compulsory usage of this platform in all e-governance applications.
Besides, workshops and seminars to bring awareness about IPv6 and its benefits for service providers and end-users community should be conducted through government agencies, Trai added.
