Wednesday, December 7, 2011

UNH-IOL eases transition to IPv6 at customer edge and beyond

DURHAM, USA: The University of New Hampshire InterOperability Laboratory (UNH-IOL), an independent provider of broad-based testing and standards conformance services for the networking industry, has seen an increase in the number of customer edge (CE) routers that are capable of being deployed in IPv6 networks, as evidenced by results of the lab’s recent IPv6 CE Router Interoperability Test Event.

In addition to hosting IPv6 interoperability test events, the UNH-IOL helps member companies cost effectively speed IPv6 broadband deployments through a variety of educational materials, including a recently released IPv6 CE whitepaper and a newly launched YouTube video series.

The UNH-IOL’s third IPv6 CE Router Interoperability Test Event, which took place last month, brought together a total of eight operators and CE Router vendors to prepare for the delivery of reliable, uninterrupted Internet service to new and existing customers using IPv6, and to enable end-user connectivity by ensuring IPv6 readiness in home or small office networking environments. Participants included Actiontec, Broadcom, Cisco, D-Link, Lantiq, Motorola Mobility and Time Warner.

In addition to verifying that CE routers are ready to be deployed in IPv6 networks, the test event proved support of transition mechanisms, such as 6rd, in some CE Routers, which is needed to maintain connectivity for subscribers when networks are not dual-stack (both IPv4 and IPv6). When making recommendations or purchasing decisions, operators and consumers alike may refer to the CE Router Tested List, which will be updated as vendors continue to test IPv6 CE devices at the UNH-IOL, to find out which routers will work in homes and small offices using IPv6.

In conjunction with the IPv6 CE Router Interoperability Test Event, the UNH-IOL has published the “IPv6 CE Router Interoperability Whitepaper.” The whitepaper, authored by Timothy Winters, senior manager for the UNH-IOL, provides an overview of the test event, outlines the test methodologies used during the event, analyzes test results and offers an outlook on future testing efforts required for widespread deployment of IPv6 at the customer edge.

In addition, the UNH-IOL has launched the YouTube series, “UNH-IOL’s Helpful How-Tos,” to aid member companies in understanding the various procedures associated with IPv6 and other testing offered by the lab. The first video of the series, “How to complete a USGv6 Test Program Suppliers Declaration of Conformity (SDoC),” provides a step-by-step walk-through on finalizing a SDoC, which is required for companies planning to sell IPv6 products to the federal government. Those responsible for purchasing IT equipment at federal agencies can also benefit from viewing the video as it describes the criteria required for completion of the document.

The second video of the series, “Scheduling Testing Using the IOL Website,” offers instruction on using the UNH-IOL website to RSVP for testing. This video informs companies on steps that must be taken to register their device for a specific test, saving time as they prepare for testing at the lab.

The UNH-IOL collaborative testing model distributes the cost of performing trusted, independent testing and validation through an annual membership. The fee for participation in the IPv6 Consortium is $25K.

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