Network Engineering Project: Migrating From IPv4 to IPv6 Networks

This project, undertaken by a student at ST Patrick's International College, focuses on the critical topic of migrating networks from the older IPv4 protocol to the newer IPv6 protocol. The project begins with an introduction that outlines the motivation, objectives, and methodology. A comprehensive literature review examines the underlying concepts of IPv6, the reasons for migration, and the available technologies such as tunneling and dual-stacking. The project then delves into the analysis and design phases, covering the development methodology. The implementation chapter details the practical steps involved in configuring and simulating the network using Cisco Packet Tracer, including addressing challenges. The testing phase validates the network configuration and performance. The project concludes with an evaluation of the results, a discussion of future developments, and a comprehensive list of references. The student explores the benefits of IPv6, including enhanced security, and addresses the challenges associated with the transition. The project aims to provide a practical understanding of IPv6 migration, including design, implementation, and testing. The project also addresses the use of dual-stacking and tunneling, and provides deployment scenarios and practical tailored solutions. The report includes a Gantt chart for project planning, and appendices with project specifications and presentation materials. The project addresses the need for IPv6 adoption in response to the limitations of IPv4 and the increasing use of computers.

NETWORK ENGINEERING AND TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
Migrating From IPv4 to IPv6
Name of the Student
Meledje Akpro Joseph
Name of the University
ST PATRICK’S INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE
Author’s Note

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Acknowledgement
I predominantly obliged to express my gratitude and acknowledge to ST Patrick’s
International College, and our tutors for providing us valuable resources that helped us to
gain more knowledge in network engineering course. This project helped us to research on
the new available technology and protocol that helped us to gain practical knowledge. The
access of the college library helped us to solve the problem that we faced during the
development of the project.
I am thankful to our project supervisor Kamran Ali, and want to thank them heartily for
guiding us at every stage of development and helping us providing valuable resources and
inspiration for the final term.
I would also like to thank the principal of our college and for providing us the opportunity to
continue with the project and encourage us for the last two years of, ‘Person’s HND
Diploma’.
By Meledje Akpro Joseph
College Name: ST Patrick’s International College
Year 2

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Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION............................................................................................6
1.1. Chapter Introduction.......................................................................................................6
1.2. Migrating from Ipv4 to Ipv6...........................................................................................6
1.3. Project Inspiration...........................................................................................................7
1.4. Problem Identification.....................................................................................................7
1.5. Solution...........................................................................................................................7
1.6. Aims................................................................................................................................8
1.7. Objectives........................................................................................................................8
1.8. Record risks, constraints and assumptions......................................................................8
1.9. Project plan and deliverables..........................................................................................9
1.10. Layout of the report.......................................................................................................9
1.11. Summary.....................................................................................................................10
CHAPTER 2 – LITERATURE REVIEW...............................................................................11
2.1. Chapter Introduction.....................................................................................................11
2.2. Literature review based on domain...............................................................................11
2.2.1. Understanding the IPv6 concept............................................................................11
2.3. Reasons for the Project..................................................................................................12
2.4. Business Options...........................................................................................................12
2.5. Current System..............................................................................................................13
2.6. Problems found in the system.......................................................................................14

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2.7. Hardware components required for the development of the project.............................14
2.8. Technology analyzed....................................................................................................15
2.8.1. Tunneling...............................................................................................................15
2.8.2. IPv6 address with embedded Ipv4 address............................................................15
2.9. Drawback of the proposed solution...............................................................................15
2.9.1. Solution..................................................................................................................16
2.10. Benefits of the project.................................................................................................16
2.11. Development tools and techniques..............................................................................16
2.11.1. Designing software...............................................................................................17
2.11.2. Simulation Software.............................................................................................18
2.11.3. Summary..............................................................................................................18
CHAPTER 3 – ANALYSIS AND DESIGN...........................................................................18
3.1. Discussion of the analysis.............................................................................................18
3.2. Discussion of the design................................................................................................19
3.3. Development Methodology...........................................................................................19
CHAPTER 4 – IMPLEMENTATION.....................................................................................20
4.1. Introduction...................................................................................................................20
4.2. Implementation of the proposed solution......................................................................20
4.2.1. Challenges faced during the implementation.........................................................21
4.3. Demonstration of the Artifacts......................................................................................21
4.3.1. Configuration of the device....................................................................................21

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4.3.2. Auto Configuration of Ipv6 address.......................................................................26
4.4. Summary.......................................................................................................................28
CHAPTER 5 – TESTING........................................................................................................28
5.1. Testing techniques.........................................................................................................28
5.2. Testing plan...................................................................................................................28
5.2.1. Show run Configuration.........................................................................................29
5.3. Discussion.....................................................................................................................30
CHAPTER 6 – EVALUATION AND CONCLUSION..........................................................32
OVERALL CONCLUSION SUMMARY...............................................................................32
Future development..................................................................................................................33
References................................................................................................................................34
Appendix - A............................................................................................................................36
HND PROJECT PRESENTATION....................................................................................36
Appendix – B...........................................................................................................................39
PROJECT SPECIFICATION DOCUMENT.......................................................................39

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List of Figures
Figure 1: Gantt chart prepared for the project planning.............................................................9

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CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION
1.1. Chapter Introduction
The project is based on migration of network from Ipv4 to Ipv6 and for the
development of the project a research is made on the different networking protocols. The
hardware required for supporting the Ipv6 addressing is also analyzed and the project report
is created. The report is presented in six chapters including the introduction and conclusion
section. A literature review is done on the available technology that can be applied for
reducing the migration time and increase the efficiency of the project. A design is prepared
for the migration of the ipv4 network and requirement is analyzed for implementation of the
network design. The network is tested against the objectives for successful migration of the
network.
1.2. Migrating from Ipv4 to Ipv6
For the migration of the network configured with Ipv4 addressing scheme to Ipv6
address the compatibility of the device is evaluated. An IPv6 addressing scheme is created for
configuring the device interface with the IPv6 address. There are different problems faced by
the network administrator while configuring the network with the Ipv6 addressing. The main
problem found while configuring the IPv6 address on a router is that the old routers does not
supports the IPv6 address and thus the new router is required to be used. When the network
traffic comes from a multiple broadcast domain server the data packets competes with each
other to reach the destination source and reaching the device which is not configured properly
the packets are lost. If the connection between the router and the switch is configured with
trunk protocol the possibility of data loss decreases and the data packets can be transferred
from each of the devices configured with the IPv4 and IPv6 address.

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The solution for transformation of the IPv4 to IPv6 address is using different schemes
like tunneling, dual stacking method and NAT proxy translation for communicating with the
devices configured with IPv4 address. The dual stacking method defines that the routers and
the switches are needed to be configured with both the IPv4 and the IPv6 address and the data
packets when sent to the device compares the IP address and forwards it to the destination
host or the next hop address. The tunneling is use for converting the IPv4 address to IPv6
address or vice versa. With the implementation of the IPv6 address scheme the security of the
network increases because it is difficult for the hackers to crack the 128 bit address.
1.3. Project Inspiration
I was inspired for this project because there is a recent growth in the use of computers
in different fields and the growth causes problem for the IPv4 address to provide unique IP
address. Thus there is a requirement for the network to be transformed with the
implementation of IPv6 address scheme. The DHCP configuration of the router with IPv6
address helps in auto allocation of the IPv6 address to the nodes connected with the network.
The management of the Ipv6 address is an important task and it should be done for the
successful development of the project.
1.4. Problem Identification
The problem identified during the development of the project is to identify the requirement of
an organization and reduce the bottleneck situation in the network. A problem is faced
regarding communication with the current network configured with IPv4 and thus there is a
requirement to add Ipv4 address to the interface of the device for allowing the users to send
and receive data packets from the Ipv4 network.

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1.5. Solution
A dual stack environment is required to be used for configuring the network and
communicate with the other network irrespective of thee configuration of the router.
Different vlans are created for different department and the IP address is allocated using a
DHCP server to the different vlans for the development of the network solution and reduce
the bottleneck of the network.
1.6. Aims
The aim of this project is to understand crucial implementation steps required when migrating
from IPV4 to IPV6 to ensure an effective approach and successful outcome. There is no
doubt that migrating from IPV4 to IPV6 present many benefits but equally many challenges
and issues causing delay and reluctance. Therefore, this project aim to help elaborate and
explore effective planning to overcome those challenges to deliver seamless integration and
transition as possible.
1.7. Objectives
The main objective of the project are as follows:
1. Analyse the difference between IPV4 and IPV6
2. Understand IPV6 Protocols and standards
3. Explore potential challenges and issues during migration
4. Understand crucial implementation steps
5. Elaborate appropriate strategies and planning approach
6. Provide deployment scenario and practical tailored solutions
1.8. Record risks, constraints and assumptions
The objectives of the project are aligned during the development of the project. The different
network components are analyzed and the network design is created using the cisco packet

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tracer. The devices are configured with appropriate protocol and all the devices are connected
with a central server and the IPs are provided to the hosts connected to it. The network is
tested and the more devices are added with IPv6 address without changing the structure of the
network or changing the cabling plan. A power point poster and slides are created for the
demonstration of the proper working of the project. The project of ‘IPV6 – Migration Study
from IPv4 and IPv6’ started with the creation of the project proposal and the project plan. A
literature review is done for understanding the working principle of IPV6 protocol and
standards to allow the implementation IPV6 address in a network and remove the constraint
for the successful development of the project. The hardware devices, software version, as
well as license are essential for configuring the IPV6 and implement its full benefits. It is
assumed that the network would consists of Layer 2 and the layer 3 switches and performing
the practical operation. Cisco packet tracer is used for configuring the devices and finding the
flaws in the network when more data is generated in the network.
1.9. Project plan and deliverables
For the preparation of a project plan a gnat chart is prepared that describes the phases
of the project and its estimated completion dates.
Figure 1: Gantt chart prepared for the project planning
(Source: Created by author)

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1.10. Layout of the report
Chapter 1: The chapter 1 is the introduction and it defines the migration of the Ipv4 to Ipv6
addressing. The inspiration of the project is defined and the problem faced during the
development of the project is analyzed for the development of the project. The solution of the
project is given and the aims and the objectives of the project is defined for successful
development of the project. The risk associated with the development of the project s
identified and assumptions are made for the development of the project.
Chapter 2: The second chapter is the literature review of the assignment and different papers
based on Ipv6 are studied for the development of the project. The different protocols that are
used for the configuration of the router are analyzed. The aims and objectives of the report is
aligned with different case study and the concept is created for the development network
solution.
Chapter 3: the third chapter discusses about the different design that can be used for
designing the Ipv6 network and an analysis is made on the available technology that can be
applied for the development of the network solution. Main focus is given on the hardware
that can be used and the existing system is converged for the development of the Ipv6
framework.
Chapter 4: The chapter four is the implementation stage of the project and the network is
configured in cisco packet tracer and simulated for testing the connectivity between different
devices attached with the switch.
Chapter 5: The network is tested in the chapter and the result are attached in the report.
Chapter 6: The report is concluded and the result of the test is given in this chapter.

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1.11. Summary
And overview few practical deployment scenarios and solutions to reduce
misconception. Finally, at the end of this project the audience would have gain greater
confidence, substantial information, and tailored solutions to specific cases to carry out IPV6
migration. The routers and the switches are configured with the tunneling protocol such that
the old devices that are configured with IPv4 configuration can operate with the IPv6
configured devices. A verification must be done on the network where the IPv6 addressing is
required to be implemented because all the devices are not capable to run using the IPv6
address as they were designed for IPv4 address.
CHAPTER 2 – LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1. Chapter Introduction
The chapter describes about configuring the IP address in a network and identification of the
problem that can be found while configuring the network with both the addressing scheme
i.e. IPv4 and IPv6. Additionally although IPV6 protocol has been around for sometimes now,
there are still knowledge gap of it, lack of skills and effective communication channel to
allow businesses and users to fully embrace it. In this project, relevant details information of
IPV6 will be provided to enhance the knowledge of it.
2.2. Literature review based on domain
2.2.1. Understanding the IPv6 concept
The IPv6 uses 128 bit addressing whereas IPv4 uses 32 bit address and thus have the
limitation to accommodate the growing number of devices in the network. Different protocols
and techniques are used for the transformation of the Ipv4 with the IPv6 address without
affecting the network and for increasing the efficiency of the network. The proper