Telecom and netwroking equipment manufacturer Cisco has said that ZON Multimedia has deployed the Cisco Carrier-Grade Internet Protocol version 6 (CGv6) offering to handle the transition of its Carrier Ethernet network to IPv6.
The Portuguese cable operator has worked closely with Cisco to drive the activation of IPv6 features in its access, aggregation and Internet peering networks to implement a transparent end-to-end IPv6 infrastructure.
The Cisco infrastructure deployed in ZON is based on a Cisco Internet Protocol Next-Generation Network (IP NGN) architecture using the Cisco ASR 9000 Series Aggregation Services Routers as a point of convergence for all CMTS equipments.
Cisco said that support for IPv6 using a dual-stack network, which allows both IPv4 and IPv6 to coexist, will allow ZON to offer enhanced IPv6-ready services to its customers while allowing them transparent usage of both protocols during the transition period.
ZON customers can select the time of their choosing to utilise the almost unlimited number of IP addresses enabled with IPv6. CGv6’s simple framework helps preserve existing investments in IPv4, and prepares for IPv6 with varying transition techniques, said the company.
Cisco fellow Mark Townsley said it is critical that service providers have the support necessary to see IPv6 deployed to users before the lack of IPv4 addresses stifles the growth and evolution of the Internet.
"Cisco is extending its IPv6 leadership with new solutions that enable customers to accelerate the transition from IPv4 to IPv6 with ease. The solution now offered by ZON will allow their users to be connected to the next-generation IPv6 Internet with an abundance of addresses far surpassing what is available in IPv4 today," Townsley said.
ZON TV Cabo Board member Paulo Ribeiro said, "We have been making smart investments in our network to be able to reach this day. Our innovative network and Cisco’s technology has allowed us to offer the most compelling Internet applications. Now we can offer our customers an enhanced and improved experience during Internet surfing."
