IPv6 Development in CUHK

IPv6 stands for “Internet Protocol Version 6”. It solves a number of problems that IPv4 has, such as the limited number of available addresses in IPv4. IPv6 address is 128 bits and IPv4 is only 32 bits.

1. Should I use it?

It depends on the sites you want to visit, or from where they are visited. If they run on IPv6, you can reach them when your computers run on IPv6 too. But if they only run on IPv4, your computer must also run on IPv4. If you want to experience a website under IPv6, Hurricane Electric IPv6 Tunnel Broker would help.

If you don’t need IPv6, it may not be good to install and enable it on your computer. It’s because it will direct your computer to reach a non-existent IPv6 site whenever you try to reach a IPv4 site. This can result in needless timeout and “destination not found” messages. Please consult your IT support before using it.

2. IPv6 connectivity of CUHK Campus Network

We are ready to provide IPv6 to your department if you need it. Please discuss with your LAN administrator to find out what IPv6 can do for you; if your department needs it, please submit request on http://servicedesk.itsc.cuhk.edu.hk .

All IPv6 Resources can be found from

3. Current Applications at the Engineering Department

The University’s Information Engineering Department runs advanced networking applications which are in advance of special features of IPv6 but not available over IPv4. Current projects include:

Native IPv6 routing over Internet2,
DVD quality 3D video streaming,
Real-time HD Video conferencing,
Access Grid,
Providing IPv6 routing lab experiments for students.

More information can be found at http://www.ine.cuhk.edu.hk/I2/web/page1.html and http://www.ine.cuhk.edu.hk/I2/web/page3.html

4. IPv6 on HKIX (Hong Kong Internet Exchange)

HKIX members may now peer over IPv6 in addition to IPv4. Current v6 members include CUHK, CITIC1616, APNIC, Diyixian, and NTT.