Validating a custom IPv6 security application using OPNET modeler

The Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) is being adopted in networks around the world as the Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) address space is nearing maximum capacity. Security needs are changing because of various new aspects of IPv6, such as the way addresses are determined. There are security applications that are being developed to meet these needs; however, there are not many production IPv6 networks available for testing. Simulation solves this problem in a cost effective manner. Specifically, OPNET Modeler provides the capability to simulate an IPv6 network. Additionally, OPNET's System-in-the-Loop, an add-on module, allows for real devices to be tested over the simulated network. This software allows for custom IPv6 security applications to be tested before moving to a live network. This paper evaluates a custom IPv6 security application by simulating it using OPNET Modeler and the System-in-the-Loop module. The results show that the simulation was effective in pinpointing some flaws in design but ultimately it proved that the application is valid.