Heard about something called IPv6 (or Internet Protocol version 6) transition? When the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) – the coordinating body that manages the world-wide distribution of IP addresses – announced earlier this year that it had run out of IPv4 addresses under the current system, consumers wondered whether their treasured Internet communications might be hindered. The Internet will transition to a new set of IP addresses – essentially numerical labels directing online traffic to the right place on the web – which will continue to connect the massive number of new computers, mobile phones and countless other gadgets. Since this is such a big issue, The Cable Show will host a summit on this global transition to IPv6.
The IPv6 Summit provides an opportunity for cable operator and programmer executives, senior managers, technologists and other experts to learn more about the transition and collaborate on solutions and strategies. Achieving a smooth transition, however, to a new platform for Internet addresses – possibly as soon as late 2011 – poses immense challenges for network, infrastructure, and Internet “edge” providers. Success depends on collaboration among a wide variety of participants, including cable system operators, cable programmers, other ISPs, content and web providers, consumer equipment manufacturers, consumer retailers, and Internet users. The IPv6 Summit will look into these issues, and create a dialogue among these groups. The IPv6 Summit will feature several panels concentrating on various elements of the transition as well as opportunities to compare notes, both formally and informally, on transition challenges and solutions. Show organizers also expect that other interested parties from beyond the cable industry will attend and participate, giving way to inter-industry consultation on the transition.
Have a role in the Internet ecosystem, be it in cable, consumer electronics, or content? If so, the IPv6 Summit is a nice opportunity to learn alongside colleagues for successful completion of this critical transition. The IPv6 Summit is included with a full conference registration to The Cable Show 2011 (summit sign-up is required). Specially discounted summit-only passes are also available and include the summit, the Tuesday General Session and a Tuesday-only exhibit floor pass.
Information about registration for The Cable Show 2011 can be found at http://2011.thecableshow.com/Attending/Registration.