The IP addresses required for internet connectivity are presently based on
the IPV4 system which provides for around 4 billion addresses. The increased
use of Internet with over 500 million population world wide coupled with the
initial unequitable allocation of IP addresses, is expected to cause hardships
in IP address allocation to many countries including India.
With convergence of Internet and telephony, it is envisaged that every telephone
device will need an IP address soon. As a result, the system will choke unless
alternate addressing system such as the contemplated IPV6 system is not
developed quickly.
When the previous system came into being the address space was mostly cornered
by USA. Presently USA will be less affected by the dwindling resources and also
it will have to bear a higher cost of transition for the proposed transition to
IPV 6 system. Hence USA will be not keen for an early transition and when
it finally comes, there will again be an attempt to garner more than required
numbers for USA.
There is therefore an urgent need for India to wake up to the need for ensuring
an appropriate allocation of IP addresses when IPV6 comes through.
naavi.org urges the Ministry of Information technology to set up a task force
immediately to develop an action plan on this aspect on the lines of the
"Spectrum Committee" envisaged in the Communication Convergence Bill.
Naavi
March 9, 2002