Cerf warns over address space squeeze

FT.com

One of the internet’s founding fathers has warned that online growth could start grinding to a halt within six months as internet address space runs out. IP addresses are unique numerical codes allocated to every web page, computer, mobile phone or other device connected to the internet.

IPv6 – the latest iteration of internet protocols – allows for trillions of unique IP addresses. However, estimates suggest that IPv4, the previous iteration, will use the last of its 4bn addresses in spring 2011.

Vint Cerf, Google’s chief internet evangelist, said that if businesses and internet service providers failed to implement IPv6, it would become difficult to add new people or devices to the global network.

“It’s like trying to sell a telephone without a telephone number,” Mr Cerf said. “We know [address space] will run out, we don’t quite know when”.

“We know what the consequences are: no more growth unless we get IPv6 implemented.”

Addressing an industry gathering in London to launch 6UK, a campaign around IPv6, Mr Cerf’s views were backed by the UK government. Report