IPv6, which is the next-generation specification, is a set of key technologies for realizing a ubiquitous network society where everything and everyone will be interconnected.
When comparing IPv6 with the current IPv4, the number of addresses will dramatically increase (IPv6 is 128bits and IPv4 is 32bits), and strengthened security (e.g. the encrypted telecommunication called IP Sec as standard equipments), and the simplification of various settings (e.g. automatic address settings by connecting devices with networks) will be realized. In more concrete terms, through the use of IPv6, advanced and diversified services will become available in the fields of home security, education, nursing care, transport, etc.
As realization of a smooth transition of the current Internet infrastructures from IPv4 to IPv6 is an imminent issue, "e-Japan Strategy," set "the transition to IPv6 compliant Internet platforms" as a concrete policy target.
Since FY2003, MIC has been implementing three-year-periods verification experiments by linking a model network for enabling the environment which allows users such as local public entities, corporate users and residential users to use IPv6 easily.
In addition, in order to encourage the transition to IPv6, MIC has been widely releasing the results of verification experiments domestically and internationally. For further information on verification results by FY2004, please refer to the following URL:
http://www.v6trans.jp/jp/ (Japanese)
http://www.v6trans.jp/en/ (English)
| 3. Outline of field trials in FY2005 |
With respect to field trials to be carried out in FY2005, MIC will accelerate penetration of IPv6 through experimenting with the models for building various IPv6 ubiquitous network systems in local communities in addition to the implementation of technical verifications on network operations related to IPv6. Field trials be carried out in FY2005 include verification experiments on the following applications:
- Consultation services for residents (Taito, Tokyo)
Making the best of FY2004 verification experiments, the field trial will improve efficiency of administrative services for residents through construction of consultation services for residents, which i) reduce further burdens on city workers, ii) reduce costs for operations and iii) are conducive to practical systems.
- Taito City Assembly streaming live video relay services (Taito, Tokyo)
Through the use of multicast distribution functions unique to IPv6, the field trial will i) realize a high-definition City Assembly video relay distribution system at Taito City Hall and ii) implement verifications on preferential control and quality stabilization technologies upon implementation of realtime applications.
- Health care at home support services (Asahikawa, Hokkaido)
The field trial will realize health-care-at-home support services, which will be enabled to remotely control terminals for health care, by means of IPv6-ready mobile terminals, through the use of the "push functions" unique to IPv6.
- Push-type information provision services for residents (Osaka)
The field trial will construct information provision services through making the best of the information push function of IPv6.
- IPv6 multi-services in Security-Town (Kawasaki, Kanagawa)
The field trial will implement "security town" services, which enable secure video information distribution for security, through i) development of distribution functions for each address to which information is sent and ii) the use of various IPv6 automatic setting functions.
- Music Town services (Okinawa)
The field trial will realize video multicasting via multiple ISPs through the use of IPv6.
- IPv6 multi-service in school security solutions (Tokyo)
The field trial will implement security services for schools through the adequate private information protection by using the functions that control the multiple connections of IPv6 at the same time.
- Office building automation services (Tokyo)
The field trial will monitor elevator control and its energy saving and operation cost reductions through implementation of total building management by utilizing abundant IPv6 addresses in some cultural facilities.
Other services through the use of IPv6 will be implemented, including the following:
i ) information gathering service for disaster prevention,
ii) local digital museum,
iii) hospital tele-diagnosis collaboration service,
iv) video distribution service between education facilitiesuniversities and junior high schools,
v) nature regeneration project monitoring service,
vi) LP gas tele-metering, and
vii) environment monitoring.
These implementations are put together to formulate a guideline describing means for the concrete transition to IPv6 and effective IPv6 utilization, and will be released publicly.
MIC will pursue the development of IP infrastructure for realizing the ubiquitous network society where everything and everyone will become interconnected.
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