TCP/IP Version 6

[WebStuck]

Hi,

I was noticing that there is a TCP/IP version 6 protocol that can be installed instead of the older TCP/IP version that my computer is currently using. I was wondering if there is any reason not to use the new version. If not then I could use some help on how to go about using it. Should the old and new TCP/IP versions be checked, or is there a way to uninstall the old TCP/IP version, or do I just check the new TCP/IP version in Network Connection Properties?

Thanks!
Ben Cunningham

 

[bcastner]

You misunderstand what is going on.
IPv6 is in addition to IPv4.

It is not an upgrade, but a completely different protocol.

It is extrememly unlikely you have any need for IPv6 at the moment. This is not the same case as a software update for an application program, or hardware device. This is a different protocol that will some day become important.

 

[LloydSev]

IPv6 is to IPv4 as NetBios is to IPX....

all different protocols...

If you ONLY installed IPv6 on the one machine without IPv4, it would not communicate with the IPv4 machines.

IPv6 is handy when you are running out of IP addresses on your internal LAN and do not have the money to buy a new router or firewall to add a new network.

But beware, a lot of network equipment does not yet support IPv6 and would not be able to communicate with your devices.

Computer/Network Technician
CCNA

 

[bcastner]

IPv6 is handy when you are running out of IP addresses on your internal LAN and do not have the money to buy a new router or firewall to add a new network."

You better have a fairly decent router. Most will not router IPv6.

 

[LloydSev]

Well yeah.. that's why I mentioned that a lot of network equipment doesn't yet support IPv6 yet...

but regardless, IPv6 is just there for now.. it doesn't do much yet at this point as the US has not been forced to switch(unlike some Asian countries).

Computer/Network Technician
CCNA

 

[WebStuck]

Ok....Thanks for your help!

 

[Sympology]

IPv6 is a future protocol. Soon (years not days) the world is simply going to run out of IP addresses. Oddly enough it's not down to to many "computers" but the ever growing need for ip addresses for things like PDA's, mobile (cell) phones, in fact anything that connects to the web or other data devices.
You won't need it for a while, unless your into testing out things.
Stu..

Only the truly stupid believe they know everything.
Stu.. 2004