As part of its efforts to lead in IPv6 adoption, the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has conducted an Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) taskforce meeting with stakeholders and the Réseaux IP Européens Network Co-ordination Centre (RIPE NCC) at the CRA headquarters.
IPv6 is the most recent version of the Internet Protocol (IP).
The aim of IPv6 Stakeholders Taskforce is to ensure Qatar’s leadership in the adoption of the latest international standards and the sustainability of development of IP Internet domain in Qatar.
During the meeting, RIPE NCC representatives discussed the steps for a successful and smooth transition to IPv6, IPv6 security mitigation plan, IPv6 addressing and allocation, best practical technical approach, IPv6 dashboard, and KPI measurement.
Representatives from Qatar University also shared an IPv6 implementation project, discussing their successful methodologies, while MEEZA officials presented the IPv6 transition project for smart services in Musheirb City.
MEEZA, a Qatar Foundation joint venture, is an established end-to-end managed IT services and solutions provider.
“The transition from IPv4 to IPv6 enables higher Internet security and contributes to the continuity of a robust connectivity across the State of Qatar and in meeting smart and advanced next generation technologies for a smart living and smart cities such as Internet-of-things, e-Commerce, and big data,” said CRA technical affairs manager Abdalla Jassmi. “Achieving this transition requires considerable planning, co-operation, and co-ordination between all the related entities. The CRA thanks all stakeholders for their support and co-operation.”
“The RIPE NCC is committed to supporting efforts across our service region to develop network infrastructure and we applaud the work done by the CRA Qatar and the IPv6 Task force in identifying the key factors that will drive IPv6 deployment,” said Hisham Ibrahim, technical adviser (Middle East Regional Programme Manager) at the RIPE NCC.
The developed IPv6 National Implementation Strategy provides a framework for the adoption of the system across the nation, ensuring that the various building blocks are in place in a timely manner to enable end-user organisations to progressively move to IPv6.
The strategy incorporates certifying the existing network equipment to be IPv6-ready, and the availability of robust security and risk impact assessment for IPv6 transition with all the stakeholders in government and private sectors.
The meeting was attended by representatives of 16 government and private entities including Ooredoo, Vodafone Qatar, the Qatar National Bank, Kahramaa, the Ministry of Interior, and Carnegie Mellon University at Qatar.
Abdalla Jassmi: Achieving the transition (from IPv4 to IPv6) requires considerable planning
Abdalla Jassmi: Achieving the transition (from IPv4 to IPv6) requires considerable planning
