IPv6 Evolution in the LAC Region

30/11/2021

A report prepared based on the findings of the study titled “Statistics and Trends: IPv6 Deployment in Latin America and the Caribbean 2016-2020” led by LACNIC shows that regional IPv6 adoption has grown 18% over the past five years.

According to the study conducted by consultants SMC + Digital Public Affairs, asymmetries in IPv6 development persist at the subregional level. While South America (25%) and Central America (30%) have good IPv6 adoption levels, the Caribbean (7%) appears to be lagging. At the global level, Latin America and the Caribbean are in a good position and have made great progress. However, we are still below the global average and other regions. 

Considering the number of users, in 2016, regional IPv6 adoption stood at 3%, compared to a global average of 8%. In 2020, these percentages increased to 21% at the regional level and 29% globally. This translates to an 18% increase from one study to the next in Latin America and the Caribbean. 

Research results provide an understanding of the progress made in terms of IPv6 deployment and adoption and the opportunities ahead. 

In addition to statistics and trends, the study addresses the different Pv4 exhaustion phases and the work that has been carried out since 2013, as well as the actions and mechanisms led by LACNIC to ensure the transition from IPv4 to IPv6. 

It also considers the influence of factors such the availability of devices, their ability to use the IPv6 protocol, their specific characteristics, equipment/IPv6 compatibility, and the content that is transmitted. 

The study incorporates these considerations and concerns of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the analysis of device compatibility and capacity, along with their potential impact on IPv6 adoption. 

It also briefly addresses emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G technology, and cloud computing, as well as the characteristics of the IPv6 protocol and how emerging technologies might potentially be impacted by IPv6. 

Click here to read the complete report.

In the coming days, you will also have access the report on “The Behavior of Operators in IPv6 Deployment in Latin America and the Caribbean.”