Label switching and IP version 6

This paper discusses how the strict hierarchical address structure of IP version 6 and high levels of IP route aggregation will effect the operation of popular label switching techniques. We predict that the introduction of IP version 6 will cause significant problems with control driven label switching proposals such as MPLS and Tag Switching. We propose an alternate label switching solution that uses information in the IP version 6 address structure to classify and cut-through flows based on destination site address. Our simulation studies shown that over 96% of packets will be switched by ATM bypassing network layer forwarding using this technique.