Testing v6 ensures proper migration to IPv6

30/06/2015

LACNIC has developed a methodology to conduct a compatibility test on systems and equipment operating over the IPv6 protocol. This new service – Testing v6 – is designed to support organizations and companies in the process of adapting their IT systems for migrating from IPv4 to IPv6.

Laura Kaplan, Cooperation and Development Officer at LACNIC, explained that this is a series of courses based on software testing (Certiv6), created to detect whether the computer systems currently running on an IPv4 platform can support IPv6 and thus mitigate the risks of migrating from one technology to the other.

In order to help businesses and organizations in the process of adapting their IT systems, LACNIC invested in research and development so that software testing and communications experts can certify that an application will run successfully on the new IP platform.

Kaplan noted that Testing v6 courses are offered in various forms (both online and on-site) and can be tailored to meet a specific organization’s needs.

What is the Testing v6 project about?

Testing v6 is a tool created based on the Certiv6 methodology to check the compatibility of systems running on IPv6. This service offers free access to the application testing methodology (Certiv6) and a series of courses designed to learn how to implement the methodology and test equipment and applications in IPv4, IPv6 and dual-stack environments.

Testing v6 was created by LACNIC to support individuals, organizations and companies in the process of adapting their IT systems, and to help mitigate the risks involved in the migration from the IPv4 to the IPv6 protocol.

What is Testing v6 for?

Testing v6 teaches how to test equipment and applications in order to ensure that the software runs properly in IPv4, IPv6 and dual-stack environments, as well as how to check the compatibility of systems running on IPv6.

What benefits can an organization or company achieve by checking the compatibility of their systems running on IPv6?

Checking that equipment and software systems are compatible with the new protocol is very important and useful, as it saves time and money in solving problems related to applications on IPv4 and IPv6 and helps detect hidden problems and future risks deriving from the two protocols’ coexistence.

The knowledge acquired through the v6 testing courses helps participants make confident decisions regarding technological changes. Learning about equipment testing is easy, as the courses are taught through hands-on exercises which include the simulation of real-life examples.

Who is the initiative’s target audience?

This initiative was designed for a very broad audience – LACNIC members , for whom we have reserved a number of seats and offer special discounts; the Internet community; ISPs; content providers; IXPs; government agencies; software developers and distributors; freelancer professionals and consultants; integrators; in general, anyone who is in the process of adapting their IT systems.

Why is it important to check the software and its IPv6 compatibility?
Many parameters and aspects relating to the Internet protocol are changing: among other things, IP address length, how IPs are manipulated, their format, the data types used for storing them, and the validations performed on them by software no longer work with IPv6. The ability to monitor and detect these issues in a timely manner is critical if we want our software applications to continue to function once users access to our applications via IPv6.

What kind of courses are available?

These courses are specifically tailored to participants’ needs and are available either on site or in e-learning format (through LACNIC’s Virtual Campus). Students are led by trained LACNIC and CES staff. Training includes tools for software and information technology testing; courses are structured in modules that cover theory and practice and are designed based on real-life cases and exercises that can be directly applied in the workplace.

The course can be supplemented with a technical module on the IPv6 protocol tailored to the needs of each individual/organization and/or a specific module on testing.

What are the applicable fees?

The cost of the courses covers registration, custom classes, evaluation and a certificate of completion. Courses are offered in three different formats. First, LACNIC offers online Certiv6 courses through its Virtual Campus; these courses are led by CES and LACNIC staff, who provide personalized guidance and support each participant throughout the process. The course comprises an introduction to testing, a module describing the theory behind the Certiv6 methodology, a hands-on module with exercises based on real-life cases, and an evaluation.

We also offer a second online option which is conducted through the Virtual Campus and Webex sessions. In addition to the module presenting the theory behind the Certiv6 methodology and the hands-on module with exercises based on real-life cases and evaluation, this option includes a technical module on the IPv6 protocol (which is prepared based on an interview previously scheduled with the organization and taking into account participants’ level of knowledge of the subject) and/or a specific module on testing.

The third format we offer consists of on-site courses at the requesting organization’s premises. This option includes all three modules mentioned above.

The cost of each course will depend on the selected format and can be found on LACNIC’s website: www.lacnic.net/web/lacnic/testingv6

For more information about our different training options, please contact Laura Kaplan at testingv6@lacnic.net or call +598 2604 2222 ext. 4209.