New generation Internet Protocol needed to secure wireless web

Internet Protocol is the method by which data is sent from one computer to another on the internet. Each computer on the internet has at least one IP address that uniquely identifies it from all others on the internet.

It is estimated that at current growth rates, the current Internet Protocol will run out of internet addresses in 2005. It is therefore imperative that IPv6 be introduced before the launching of 3G mobile communications that is built on the idea of each device having its own IP address and the integration of these systems with internet access.

"Always-on" wireless access to the internet to over one billion people by 2003 will require more unique addresses than can be made available in the global IPv4 address space. Without IPv6, wireless Internet access subscribers will therefore only get "local" addresses inside an address space controlled by their ISP/mobile operator. These "local" IPv4 addresses will limit access to other services and limit the visibility of the users on the global Internet.

Integration of Internet-based systems into transportation means (cars, aircraft, trains, ships and freight transport) and associated infrastructures for e-Mobility and e-Commerce will require over one billion addresses by 2005.

In IPv6, each person could dispose of his/her personal internet address that could be accessible over any network. IPv6 facilitates reconfiguration so that changing networks or access providers is easier and this will contribute to competition. While IPv4 concerned communications between computers, IPv6 deals with communications between people and between the things they use, from their telephone to their car.

The Task Force is comprised of senior executives broadly representing all key industrial and research sectors affected by IPv6, including European Internet service providers, telecom operators, mobile operators, equipment supply industries, research networks, and key "application" sectors.

The Task Force web-site is at http://www.ipv6tf.org.