Transition to Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6)

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is updating its operational deployment and use of Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6). IPv6 is the next-generation Internet protocol, designed to replace version 4 (IPv4) that has been in use since 1983. Internet Protocol (IP) addresses are the globally unique numeric identifiers necessary to distinguish individual entities that communicate over the Internet. The global demand for IP addresses has grown exponentially with the ever-increasing number of users, devices, and virtual entities connecting to the Internet, resulting in the exhaustion of readily available IPv4 addresses in all regions of the world. Over time, numerous technical and economic stop-gap measures have been developed to extend the usable life time of IPv4, but all of these measures add cost and complexity to network infrastructure and raise significant technical and economic barriers to innovation. It is widely recognized that full transition to IPv6 is the only viable option to ensure future growth and innovation in Internet technology and services. It is essential for DOT to expand and enhance its strategic commitment to the transition to IPv6 to keep pace with and capitalize on industry trends. Building on previous initiatives, DOT remains committed to completing this transition.

The Office of Management and Budget has issued a Memorandum, M-21-07, that communicates the requirements for completing the operational deployment of IPv6 across all Federal information systems and services. 

DOT has issued an agency-wide IPv6 policy that identifies the scope of the department’s IPv6 program, outlines the overall schedule and designates the DOT’s Chief Enterprise Architect as the lead of DOT’s IPv6 Integrated Project Team (IPT) which will coordinate IPv6-related actions.  

Additional information will be posted here as the program progresses.