Today we find ourselves transitioning towards a new version of the Internet protocol we have been using in the past. And, beyond the technical issues that may or may not deserve further debate, the fact is that IPv6 is being implemented around the world and statistics show that changes are necessary.

Many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have already prepared their infrastructure for the demands of customers who wish to deploy the new protocol. There are ISPs at national and regional level that have this peculiarity and that even offer more advanced technologies, such as MPLS, with IPv6 support.

Within the academic environment the reality is even more encouraging. This sector has been investigating and implementing IPv6 for many years now, and has become the first to demand the service that has now expanded to the community in general. (See Academic Environment.)

Likewise, at the moment of calling for tenders for purchasing equipment or services, different government organizations, public entities and university networks are demanding that these equipment or services support the new protocol, thus preparing for a transition that is considered inevitable.

As to Internet exchange points, several NAPs within our region have implemented the protocol and offer their members the possibility of exchanging not only IPv4 but also IPv6 prefixes. In addition to the technical aspects involved in traffic exchange, this helps ISPs and NAP members become interested in the issue and plan its implementation.

With the aim of coordinating efforts for promoting the adoption of the new protocol in the region, the Latin America and Caribbean IPv6 Task Force (LAC - IPv6TF) is working jointly with the Internet community in order to provide mechanisms that will help achieve an organized transition within our region.

Likewise, several Latin American countries have created IPv6 Task Forces at national level. These Task Forces are also joining the initiative to adopt IPv6 and to continue creating these movements in those countries that do not yet have a Task Force for the new protocol.

Mariela Rocha
Latin American and Caribbean IPv6 TF
Chair