Trai seeks test beds for IPv6

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has recommended setting up of test beds for Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6), the newly proposed Internet platform for rolling out of e-governance projects in the country.

The regulator, in his draft recommendations of migrating to IPv6 from IPv4 in India, has also suggested the creation of a National Internet Registry, educating the masses through government agencies and amendment of Internet Service Provider (ISP) licences.

Trai, on the usage of IPv6, said for the enlargement of the existing IPv6 test bed of Education and Research network (ERNET) to make it accessible countrywide and to all parties. It has also suggested that the new version of the internet protocol should be mandated for platforms and applications pertaining to e-governance to give an early start to its deployment.

The regulator has also called for upgradation of National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) as the national testbed for IPV6 and interconnection among its various nodes to provide access to all ISPs.

The draft policy has put up for suggestions and recommendations of the industry, on receipt of which the regulator would look at implementing the proposals.

"Usage of IPv6 will expand the availability of IP address space, provide better service, mobility support and security and the government should also mandate IPv6 compatibility in its own procurement of IT systems and networks, while workshops and seminars should be conducted through government agencies," it said.

On the proposed allocation of permanent Internet Protocol (IP) addresses for broadband, TRAI has sought a deliberation as to whether allocating an IP address for broadband "users is a must or not".

"With an anticipated increase in broadband penetration as the policy targets 20 million users by 2010), the number of IP addresses and other customer premises terminals is likely to increase manifold. These devices will also require some kind of indentification like the telephones and allocating permanent IP address can provide a mean for such identification".

Allocation of permanent IP addresses will provide an easy solution for the need of mobility without interrupting running communication sessions while moving a terminal from one IP network to another. However, this needs to be deliberated, it said.

Trai has also suggested for a creation of a National Internet Registry in the country in addition to the current Regional Internet Registry, which is now located in Australia.