Alcatel-Lucent said that NTT Communications has deployed its service router technology as the base for its Internet Protocol (IP) Virtual Private Network (VPN) service, which now supports both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols for enterprise users.

Offered as an option for its Arcstar IP-VPN service, the company claims it to be the Japan’s first commercial IPv6 compatible IP-VPN service based on Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS).

The company said that Ipv4/IPv6 dual stack provides both IPv4 and IPv6 connectivity using only one subscriber line integrated with physically independent networks.

The Alcatel-Lucent 7750 Service Router (SR) was first deployed in 2007 to support NTT Com’s IP-VPN IPv4-based service. Reportedly, NTT Com has chosen Alcatel-Lucent to upgrade its network to allow both IPv4 and IPv6 traffic to be used on a single network to offer a low-cost IPv6 migration for its enterprise customers.

Martin Jordy, president of Alcatel-Lucent’s Japan activities, said: This represents a key milestone in the Japanese market with NTT Com launching its IPv4/IPv6 dual stack service. With our market-leading service router solution, we will continue to help NTT Com and its enterprise customers take advantage of the efficient and reliable advanced network services offered with this next generation Internet protocol.

Reportedly, over 270 service providers in more than 100 countries around the world have selected Alcatel-Lucent IP/MPLS portfolio as key elements of their IP transformation.