Since the use of IPv6 has been discussed.... ----- Forwarded message from Press Service <afisnews_sender@DTIC.MIL> ----- Date: Fri, 13 Jun 2003 15:39:01 -0400 From: Press Service <afisnews_sender@DTIC.MIL> Subject: New Internet Protocol Version Slated For Debut To: DEFENSE-PRESS-SERVICE-L@DTIC.MIL By Gerry J. Gilmore American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, June 13, 2003 � An improved version of the Internet, featuring enhancements that improve system security and data delivery, will be part of DoD's integrated information-communications network, a senior U.S. defense official said here today. Users will realize improved service when Internet Protocol Version 6 is incorporated across DoD systems, John Stenbit, assistant secretary of defense for networks and information integration, remarked to reporters during a Pentagon press conference. DoD currently uses Version 4 of the Internet, Stenbit explained. That system, he noted, has some flaws. "There are lots of issues that have come up with Internet Version 4," Stenbit pointed out, noting many commercial "fixes" have been made to address some of those problems. One Version 4 fix, Stenbit said, concerns the number of Internet addresses that can be accessed. Yet, this issue, he pointed out, isn't of particular import to DoD. However, DoD is concerned about the lack of information security safeguards that are inherent in Internet Version 4, Stenbit noted. And the department is aware of the current Internet system's lack of dependability in delivering electronic "packages" of information, which, Stenbit points out, has a negative impact on quality of service. Today, "if you send a 'packet' on the Internet, nobody is guaranteeing you that it is going to get to the other end," Stenbit observed. For example, he noted, sometimes Internet provider-generated video or audio conferences may lose sight or sound during transmission. This, he explained, is caused by Version 4 limitations. Improvements addressing such quality of service issues are part of Internet Version 6, Stenbit explained. And Version 6 development "has gotten far enough along so that people now deliver hardware and software that are compatible with both standards," Stenbit noted. Version 6 "is what we're going to be using" as the standard for DoD, Stenbit declared, noting, "We're anticipating moving the department to the use of IP 6 in about 2008." Consequently, DoD acquisition officials must begin purchasing Version 6- compatible equipment now, Stenbit concluded. _______________________________________________________ NOTE: This is a plain text version of a web page. If your e-mail program did not properly format this information, you may view the story at http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Jun2003/n06132003_200306134.html Any photos, graphics or other imagery included in the article may also be viewed at this web page. ==================================================== Visit the Defense Department's Web site for the latest news and information about America's response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the war against terrorism: "Defend America" at http://www.DefendAmerica.mil. ==================================================== Visit the "Department of Defense Homeland Security" Web site at http://www.defenselink.mil/specials/homeland/ to learn more about the Department of Defense role in homeland security. ==================================================== Unsubscribe from or Subscribe to this mailing list: http://www.defenselink.mil/news/subscribe.html ==================================================== ----- End forwarded message ----- -- I must study politics and war that my sons | may have liberty to study mathematics and | alan@clegg.com philosophy. -- John Adams |