ABSTRACT

This is a study for a firm to understand transition scenario from Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) to
IPv6. The scenario is independent of any existing network. It includes simulation of an IPv6 network
using a free network simulator software to verify if different network segments may work without any
problem. This conceptual network to be simulated is not depiction of any existing network but a generic
model. This work does not include a research of networking problems which does not have any
approved solution or are still in form of a standard’s draft. On completion, details related to before-,
during- and after- transition phases will be documented.

The internetworking is transforming towards an advanced network base, i.e., IPv6. At present, it’s
largely dependent on IPv4 enabled systems with IPv6 islands-like network. Organizations have started
transition slowly without losing its existence on IPv4. The service providers are now equipped with IPv6
subnets for those client organizations which are migrating to remain in line with the advancements of
technology. However, the individual consumers are still using the legacy setup. The main hindrance is
the invested amount in the existing equipment which lacks dual capability to work on the legacy and the
advanced protocols at the same time. The next in line are the services. Availability of the services are the
utmost priority nowadays.

Organizations normally conduct a feasibility analysis to understand the potential impact on their
business while they will migrate from IPv4 network to the advanced IPv6 network. On similar lines, a
hypothetical network will be designed and tested in this study project.

A network with dual-stack IP protocols, i.e., IPv4 and IPv6, will be designed, where some segments will
be operating on IPv4-only network, some will be on IPv6-only and a few junction points with dual
capabilities. In this design, network address translation and tunneling techniques will be used to
communicate between different versions of Internet Protocols. It is assumed that the Internet Service
Provider (ISP) is on IPv4 whereas the contents on the internet may vary in nature.

The designed network will be configured on a free simulator software which will support Cisco IOS
images. Network reachability will be used to verify communication. The results will be recorded.

On completion, a report will be written on IPv4 and IPv6 networks considerations, transition and the
simulated network details. The broad contents of the report are as follows:

1. Background
2. Technical concepts
3. Web-link of the simulator to download
4. Network Design
5. Configuration Files of the network devices used
6. Report on transition and the simulated network