Dual IP routing and switching provides a straight forward transition mechanism for the Penn State network and systems administrators. Dual IP routing and switching provides compatibility with IPv4 by continuing to completely support IPv4. IPv6 routing is added as another protocol in parallel with IPv4. Dual IP also provides a complete IPv4 and IPv6 routing infrastructure between any two Penn State nodes. As a result, Penn State IPv4 nodes will continue to have an IPv4 path to all other IPv4 hosts, and IPv6 hosts will, likewise, have an IPv6 path to any other Backbone connected IPv6 node.
Systems administrator are free to choose the protocol that meets their specific needs.
OTC treats IPv6 as just another protocol to route. IPv4 routing will be supported as long as is necessary. The Penn State routers and switches must support dual IP for this part of the transition. A dual IPv4 and IPv6 routing infrastructure simplifies the transition within the Penn State community. IPv6 routing to an external IPv6 node will work in a similar way to an internal IPv6 routing when a complete IPv6 path exists to the external IPv6 node.