Planning the introduction of IPv6 in NATO

Abstract

The NATO wide area network provides secure IP services to NATO commands and agencies, and offers information exchange gateways to nations and coalition operations. The IP services support the NATO-wide deployment of core automated information systems (AIS), and the placement of specific functional area services (e.g., intelligence, logistics, C2IS for the services, etc.) at commands. To maintain and improve interoperability within NATO and with partners, NATO will transition from version four of the Internet Protocol (IPv4) to version six (IPv6). The transition to IPv6 will involve the IP network, the information exchange gateways, the core AIS, the functional area services, and the supporting CIS infrastructure. The IPv6 naming and addressing plan being developed supports the NATO command structure and interoperability with NATO partners. The critical issue in the planning process is to support the incremental introduction of IPv6 whilst maintaining network security and reliable interworking with existing IPv4 systems and limiting increases in operations and maintenance costs. To minimise costs and maximise effectiveness NATO is planning the transition in a timescale that is commensurate with commercial adoption in NATO countries, the technology refreshment points for major systems, and the availability of IPv6 security components. New NATO projects will prepare for the transition by detailing their IPv6 upgrade path and procuring dual stack (IPv4 and IPv6) equipment. NATO will develop and adopt standardised approaches for IPv6 protocols and network design.