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The Internet is starting to change. We’re running out of what’s known as “IPv4 addresses”, those things that look like 81.123.81.123 – and a new format is on the way!
 

IPv6 is the new form of addressing, and it will mean updates to the Internet’s backbone, networks and gateways, web services, Internet Service Providers, as well as home routers and operating systems. It’s a big change, and this month, the first major step towards the full deployment of IPv6 is taking place.
 

Later this month, you may start hearing about World IPv6 Day, where some of the big players in the online world start testing the new addressing format known as IPv6. Various tests are being completed around the world to get a feel for how much work still has to be done to get us all ready for the new addresses. It’s expected that normal Internet users won’t see an impact as a result of this month’s tests, and it’ll mainly be a learning experience for the world’s online service providers and web experts.
 

You can find out just how ready your computer is, by visiting test-ipv6.com
 

IPv6 Interview
Our podcasting team has been talking to the boss of one of the leading UK Internet Providers, Plusnet, to find out how IPv6 will affect us all, and whether or not we should be worried by the upcoming changes.
 

If you’re interested in finding out what IPv6 means to you, what some of the challenges of bringing IPv6 to the world are, and how one of the UK ISPs is progressing with the change to the new format, take a listen the our interview with Plusnet’s Richard Fletcher.
 

Also in the interview, details of Plusnet’s unlimited overnight download deal – great for downloading content without having to worry about a monthly usage cap.
 

For the full IPv6 interview, go to FrequencyCast Plusnet Interview
 

If you happen to be considering a switch to Plusnet, note that for a limited time, you can get 50% Broadband from Plusnet for a year – From £3.24 a month. Expires on the 8th of June 2011 – Details at www.plus.net . Their service offers UK-based support, and a handy no-contract option.