As an Internet2 member institution, how do we get connected to an IPv6
research and education network?
Both Abilene and vBNS+ operate IPv6 networks. If you're a vBNS+ subscriber,
drop a note to the vBNS+ Engineering Group.
If you're an Abilene subscriber, drop a note to the Abilene NOC <noc@abilene.iu.edu>
and read on.
What is the topology of the Abilene IPv6 backbone?
The Abilene IPv6 backbone is essentially the same as the Abilene IPv4
backbone although not all connectors are IPv6-enabled. See http://www.abilene.iu.edu/images/v6.pdf
How do we obtain IPv6 addresses?
Abilene allocates IPv6 address blocks from its production sTLA of 2001:468::/35.
Ideally, we want to delegate larger blocks (/40) to connectors and have
the connectors delegate smaller blocks (/48, in general) to the participants
behind them. However, participants who are directly connected (or whose
connectors aren't quite ready to jump into the IPv6 fray) will receive /48
allocations. A more detailed description of the allocation scheme is given
here.
How do we actually connect?
If the edge router that connects to Abilene or your upstream Abilene connector
supports IPv6, you may be able to establish a native IPv6 connection. If
your edge router or upstream connector doesn't support IPv6, it may be possible
to establish an IPv6-in-IPv4 tunnel between an IPv6-capable router on your
campus and the Abilene IPv6 tunnel router in Indianapolis, Indiana. An IPv6
connector needs to run Multiprotocol-BGP (MBGP) with Abilene.
What addresses have already been assigned on the Abilene IPv6 network?
A table is here.
