IPv6 migration implications for network management - introducing the site transitioning framework (STF)

The paper outlines the need to supplement the current work on network management for IPv6 with a system specifically to support IP transitioning. As something that is likely to play a major role in any IPv6 network for the considerable future, support for managing the transitioning aspects of managed networks is vital in terms of their infrastructure and service provision. While there is work being carried out within the IETF and other bodies on the management of IPv6 networks, the management aspects relating to transitioning require special attention as they are likely to be among the more dynamic over the period of IPv4/IPv6 interoperation and, importantly, have yet to be fully addressed. The paper introduces the site transitioning framework, which unifies a site's transitioning infrastructure under a single architecture in order to simplify its management and operation. We outline its design and operation, highlighting the advantages that this method would introduce. Finally, the STF concept is demonstrated using a case study of an IPv6 site based interoperation scenario.