Major vendors are pushing a new IP standard that will make adopting VPNs a bit less complicated.
The IPv6 Forum's goal is to make the latest IP version an alternative to the currently and widely used IPv4.
The support IPv6 brings for IP Security (IPSec), the VPN security architecture that enables authentication and encryption of IP packets across IP networks.
Currently, IPSec VPN vendors accept the fact that customers don't have IPv6 stacks in their networks. So they use modified IPv4 stacks that include support for IPSec protocols.
Keep an eye on the IPv6 Forum. With names like Cisco, 3Com, Microsoft, MCI Worldcom, Nokia, British Telecom, Siemens and others, the group has clout.
Keep informed about whether the forum seems to be gaining influence. If it looks like it is having an impact and you are considering a VPN, it may be time to upgrade your IP stacks to IPv6 rather than retrofitting your IPv4 stacks.
Tim Greene is a senior editor at Network World, covering virtual private networking gear, remote access, core switching and local phone companies. You can reach him at tgreene@nww.com.
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