The Indian Registry for Internet Names and Numbers (IRINN) has begun issuing the latest version of Internet addresses Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) to monitor cybercrime on a real-time basis.
IPv6, with 128 bits, is capable of accommodating more IP addresses than its previous version IPv4 addresses which comes with 32-bit. The previous version IPv4 supported only a limited number of Internet addresses which forced service providers to issue the same IP address to many users. Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), an authorized body to issue IP addresses, has been recognized to allocate the IP address in the country by IRINN.
"The number of IPv6 addresses available is enormous. ISPs (Internet Service Providers) can allocate an IP address to their users. People can be easily identified if they are using IPv6," Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) Director (Services and Operations) Sanjaya said at the road show of the new IPv6 as quoted by the Press Trust of India.
The initial sets of IPv6 have been sold for a starting price of Rs. 21,999 which is 60 percent lesser than the prevailing rates in the Asia Pacific region.
"We are issuing IPv6 addresses at up to 60 per cent less than prevailing rates in the ongoing soft launch period. This is to test compatibility of hardware and softwares that has to be in place. In next couple of months we will launch industrial grade of IPv6," said Govind, Chief Executive, National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI).
The new version of Internet addresses will aid the security agencies to prevent cyber crime on a real-time basis as the IPv6 version provides a database of registered Internet addresses, which was not available previously with IPv4.
"Unlike IPv4 (read: IP Version 4), which had a limited IP address book, the address capacity of IPv6 runs into trillions, which is why, it will be possible to allocate unique addresses to each device in India connected to the Net and detect any network security breach more effectively," Govind added.
