Asia Pacific is on its final block of IPv4 addresses

by Steve Ragan - Apr 15 2011, 04:10

The Asia Pacific Network Information Center (APNIC) said on Friday that it's on its final block of IPv4 addresses. The milestone of reaching the last batch of addresses in that particular pool marks the start of a major change in delegation policy.

APNIC said the final /8 block of IPv4 addresses will be rationed to network operators for use in essential IPv6 migrations. APNIC members who meet the qualifications for the rationed address space will be limited to a /24 block of addresses (1,024 IPs in total).

The reason given for the taxing and quick drainage of IPv4 space is the growth in fixed and mobile networks experienced in the region. APNIC's director general, Paul Wilson, explained that the Asia Pacific region is the first to reach the point of being unable to meet IPv4 demand.

“Considering the ongoing demand for IP addresses, this date effectively represents IPv4 exhaustion for many of the current operators in the Asia Pacific region. From this day onwards, IPv6 is mandatory for building new Internet networks and services,” he said.

Given that there is no way to predict when Asia will completely run out of IPv4 space, APNIC has started publishing daily reports on usage for the community.

As mentioned, to keep things fair, APNIC's new policy changes will limit the last of the IPv4 address blocks to network providers in an effort to support the transition to IPv6 across the region. This will help ensure a smooth transition, as networks will need to support dual stacks (networks with IPv4 and IPv6 addresses) for years to come.

In recent years, APNIC has developed a comprehensive program to support IPv6 activities throughout the region, including capacity building, infrastructure support, and especially spreading awareness.

“IPv4 exhaustion has been identified as a key turning point for a long time, and it should come as no surprise. Any organization that wishes to remain viable must push forward with their IPv6 deployment,” added Wilson.

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