IPv6 Transformation

Systems at SLAC are being transitioned to use IPv6 addressing. IPv4 is the current method of the Internet Protocol (IP) that uses unique numerical addresses for devices connected to a network. Available IPv4 addresses are insufficient to accommodate the growing number of devices. This limitation has prompted the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue Memorandum M-21-07 requiring IP-enabled assets on federal networks to be operating in the IPv6 environment unless there are technical restrictions for specific assets that cannot use IPv6. Beyond expanding address availability, IPv6 introduces enhanced security measures and fosters innovation. In 2024, SLAC started a three-year initiative to meet the IPv6 directive.