MYNIC addresses shortage of IP addressing

Launches new IPv6 enabled domain names to serve growing online community

KUALA LUMPUR, 20th November 2008 – MYNIC Berhad (MYNIC), one of the most innovative providers of Internet Registry and Addressing Services in Asia Pacific today propelled Malaysia into achieving yet another milestone in the technology realm by launching the myDNSIPv6. The new framework was launched by Yang Berhormat Tuan Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, Deputy Minister Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation accompanied by Yang Berbahagia Datuk Dr. Halim Shafie, Chairman of Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.

Malaysia's IP addresses are currently operating on the IPv4 framework which is more than 25 years old. The rapid growth of the Internet community calls for bigger address capacity and MYNIC as the sole administrator of domain identities in Malaysia has dedicated research teams, time and resources towards upgrading the DNS system to support the "next generation" IPv6 protocol and ensure the shift is done smoothly to serve the local community.
(From L-R) Pn Shariya Haniz Zulkifli, YB Tuan Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, YB Datuk Dr Halim Shafie

"I think it is obvious that in the last few years, Internet usage has become a large part of the nation's functionability. Whether government, individuals, companies or institutions, all sectors are in touch with the online world for multiple purposes. Hence, the growing number of machines logging on to the Internet can only mean a growing number of IP addresses registered in the system," said MYNIC's Director, Shariya Haniz Zulkifli

"The increasing number of new IP's is wearing out the number of addresses the IPv4 framework can support hence the need to shift to IPv6 with its larger address space and enhanced capabilities. This way, Malaysia can welcome and manage more IP addresses which simply means more users can jump onto the online bandwagon," she added.

The address space is increased from the 32-bit of IPv4 to 128-bit with the IPv6 framework. Compared to the IPv4 which could accommodate 4 billion IP addresses, the IPv6 provides a theoretical maximum of 340 undecillion (billion billion billion billion) IP addresses. With such a huge address space, ISPs will have sufficient IP addresses to allocate enough addresses to every customer so that every IP device has a truly unique address.

The availability of WiMAX and the already available WiFi and broadband services have attracted more users to be connected. Also the Internet is being used for businesses, communication, expression of views and entertainment. The rising popularity of the online media and its growing audience requires Malaysia to expand and upgrade its Internet Protocol framework firstly to serve the growing framework and secondly to support its vision to be a technology leader in the region.

The new IPv6 framework also adds many improvements to the existing IPv4 system. Faster routing is now possible, though invisible to the user eye, the search for a domain address will now be a faster process. Also the framework simplifies aspects of address assignment and renumbering, when changing Internet connectivity providers with better network auto-configuration capabilities.

"IPv6 also has the capability of reducing the total time which people have to spend configuring and managing systems. An IPv6 system can participate in "stateless" auto-configuration, where it creates a guaranteed-unique IP address and offers a middle ground, which makes the lives of network managers easier," enthused Shariya.

Domain name system servers, which are the core function of MYNIC, must be the first physical device to make the transition to IPv6. In order to shift efficiently, the address database must first be upgraded to accommodate both IPv4 and IPv6 in order to have IPv6 address lookup.

Hence, MYNIC's research team has held test-beds and invited companies to be pioneers to test out the .my DNS integrated with the new IPv6 framework to ensure it operates smoothly. The myDNSIPv6 was activated nationwide on 3rd November 2008.

Local domain name owners are urged to register their IPv6 address as soon as possible through MYNIC Berhad. Maintenance sessions which took place before and on the activation date has left MYNIC servers well prepared to support IPv6 addresses.

The IPv6 will only gradually replace the IPv4 framework. For the time being, both the systems will co-exist for many years before the IPv6 becomes an independent provider.

Besides the IPv6 research, MYNIC's R&D is also exploring the Next Generation Network (NGN), Electronic Number Mapping (ENUM), DNS Security (DNSSEC) and Anycast technology which recently launched its mirror root server in Malaysia for faster routing services.