New Year, New Network: Shape Up for IPv6

Most communication service providers are in the process of transitioning to IPv6. But there is still a lot of work to be done.

• 17% have completed
• 22% haven't started yet
• 61% are in mid-adoption or planning

Dual-stack deployment is still the most popular method of adoption, but native IPv6 and tunneling are also being used.

• 82% of operators are using dual-stack
• 29% are tunneling
• 68% are going the native IPv6 route

There is significantly more IPv4 traffic and IPv6

• 83% find IPv6 traffic is less than IPv4
• Of these, 50% find IPv6 traffic is "significantly less" than IPv4 traffic
• While 17% say IPv6 traffic is slightly less than IPv4 traffic
• A further 17% find IPv6 traffic insignificant

Activities that generate the most IPv6 traffic

• Web browsing: 83%
• Social media: 50%

Most providers understand the need to adopt IPv6

• Distrust of NAT in the long-term: 61%
• Lack of IPv4 resources: 82%
• Customers demanding IPv6: 54%

But there are challenges on the road to adoption, including:

• Lack of vendor support: 86%
• CPE updates: 75%
• Lack of confidence: 43%
• Testing: 79%
• Planning: 57%
• Infrastructure replacement: 61%
• Educating customers: 61%

Despite the challenges, providers who have started preparations for IPv6 are optimistic about their completion timelines

• 53% believe they will be IPv6 ready within one year
• 76% believe they will be IPv6 ready within two years