MCI Connects Cray to IPv6 Network

I thought this news item was interesting in that it reports the collaboration of Cray Inc., an important outfit in the supercomputing field, with service provider MCI in efforts to advance the development of the next-generation Internet:

MCI Connects Global Supercomputer Leader Cray to IPv6 Next-Generation Network

MCI has been deeply involved with IPv6 interoperability testing. Cray's customers tend to be in scientific, academic, government, and engineering fields, where advanced computing is necessary -- thus their particular interest in IPv6 interoperability.

The release gives a helpful overview of IPv6:

"IPv6 is Internet Protocol Version 6 which is designed to replace the current Internet protocol called Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4). Known as the next-generation Internet protocol, IPv6 is addressing limitations in IPv4, including limited IP address space for the growing number of devices connecting to the Internet and private IP-enabled networks. IPv6 is also expected to add several improvements including enhanced network routing, network auto-configuration and stronger security. It also allows for better support for mobility and more easily enables renumbering. IPv6 will gradually replace IPv4, with the two protocols co-existing for a number of years during the transition."

AB -- 4/5/05