The Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) has successfully implemented to its network, the Internet Protocol Version 6, an evolutionary upgrade of the Internet protocol born out of concern that the demand for IP addresses would exceed the available supply.

The migration and subsequent implementation of IPv6 on the IXPN’s network follow the official announcement of the depletion of the Internet Protocol Version Four (IPv4).

According to a statement signed by the Managing Director, Mr. Muhammed Rudman, the implementation of the IPv6 on IXPN’s network mean that members who have migrated to IPv6 can now come on board with their IPv6 as they have been provided with a platform that will enable such.

“Apart from giving our members the platform to experience enhanced connectivity, the implementation of IPv6 on our network will place Nigeria on the international map where other countries that have implemented IPv6 are,” the statement reads.

The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) had officially announced the depletion of the Internet Protocol Version Four. This led to the setting up of an IPv6 council in Nigeria whose sole responsibility was to ensure that the operators and Nigeria as a whole migrates to the use of IPv6.

IPv6 is the successor to Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4). It was designed as an evolutionary upgrade to the Internet Protocol and will allow the Internet to grow steadily, both in terms of the number of hosts connected and the total amount of data traffic transmitted.