When the Internet was originally planned 30 years ago, it was assumed around four billion sites would serve the world via the Internet. As a result only 700 million separate addresses remain for allocation on the present network.
Now, all internet users will need to be connected to a new platform, called the Internet Protocol 6 to be able to access the 340 trillion- trillion-trillion new addresses needed to connect both the users as well as remote sensor devices which is necessary for most services in people's lives.
"IPv6 provides more addresses in cyberspace than there are grains of sands on the world's beaches," said Viviane Reding, EU Commissioner for the Information Society, The Australian reports.
This situation will either be deemed a crisis or simply a challenge. A shortfall in addresses would stifle networking of small and simple devices for energy management for lighting, intelligent building systems and remote-control sensors.
