Datatek IPv4-IPv6 Transformer History and Overview
Background
IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4), which was invented in the 1970s, is based on a 32-bit (4-byte) architecture that ultimately limits total global available address space to 4,294,967,296 (232) unique addresses. With the rapidly expanding DOD and global reliance on personal computers and their related peripherals, wireless communication devices and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, available address space is predicted to become saturated as early as 2011. Recognizing this limitation, the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) devised IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) to deal with address depletion and other limitations of IPv4. IPv6 has been adopted by the DOD to satisfy future device, and thus unique address needs, creating the requirement for a seamless translator to provide continued use of legacy IPv4 systems until full IPv6 conversion can occur.
In 2003 the DoD mandated all DoD operational systems and coordinating U.S. Federal Agencies migrate to IPv6 beginning in 2008. Recognizing such a move would render existing IPv4-based legacy systems incompatible with, and non-accessible by IPv6, the DoD sought commercial solutions to create IPv4 to IPv6 translators to preserve access to historical and legacy systems still relevant to daily operations. Datatek Applications Inc. responded to the U.S. Army and was awarded a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I and Phase II contract to meet these translator requirements.
Who is Affected by the Transition to IPv6?
The last blocks of available IPv4 addresses are projected to be allocated sometime in 2011. After that, there will be no more IPv4 addresses issued and for future economic growth, all addresses will have to be IPv6. This problem affects everyone with an existing IPv4 address today and those who will require an IP address tomorrow. With the explosive growth in mobile devices, sensors and computers, IPv6 will be ever more important. This conversion to IPv6 will not happen overnight. The transition will be gradual over the next 10-15 years. Commercial and DoD users worldwide will need to interoperate between IPv4 and IPv6 until all IPv4 devices are converted or retired. The Datatek IPv4-IPv6 Transformer will help ease this transition.
The Datatek IPv4-IPv6 Transformer
Datatek's current IPv4-IPv6 Transformer, as shown below, is a single port device designed to work with one IPv4 legacy device only. It is based on a general-purpose single-board computer, is contained in a relatively small package of approximately 6"x8"x2", and can be delivered at moderate cost. Datatek's engineering staff has examined the software and hardware architecture of the Transformer and concluded the next generation of the product can be developed to support multiple IPv4 systems. 
The Datatek IPv4-IPv6 Transformer is shown in the illustration below operating with both IPv4 and IPv6 networks in a dual-stack fashion. The IPv4-IPv6 Transformer enables an IPv4 host to continue to operate with other IPv4 hosts with no disruptions. 
Protocol and address translation are implemented seamlessly as are higher-level protocol mediation and termination functions such as DNS, ICMP, DHCP and ARP
The IPv4-IPv6 Transformer platform is based on proven design experience that has evolved from Datatek's highly reliable and robust carrier-class line of protocol mediation products.
Major Benefits Datatek's IPv4-IPv6 Transformer gives you:
- Instantly adds IPv6 capabilities such as security and mobility to your embedded base of IPv4 legacy equipment
- No disruption to continued IPv4 operations - IPv4 hosts continue to communicate with other IPv4 hosts
- Transparent solution - no software or hardware changes required for your legacy equipment
- Adds IPsec, IKE and PKI IP security features to legacy IPv4 systems
- IPv4-IPv6 Address and Protocol translation
- Turns a fixed IPv4 system into a true Mobile IPv6 system
- DNS query/reply translator automatically configures the Transformer
- DHCP server automatically configures the legacy host
- Easy to configure via Web-based Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Meets U.S. Army's Needs
The Datatek IPv4 to IPv6 Transformer unit is an enabling communication protocol translation module that addresses three major Army program objectives:
- the ability to convert legacy systems and their applications to seamlessly operate over IPv6 networks with no additional development or support costs other than a transformer device
- the ability to re-deploy legacy IPv4 systems in mobile IPv6 communication networks without operator configuration
- the ability to insulate legacy users and platforms from configuration changes required for future IPv6 capability increments
Product Development
R&D Technology Focus
The Datatek IPv4-IPv6 Single Port Transformer is a fully functioning prototype that has been used and tested in the Pentagon, the White House Communications Agency, Veterans Affairs Dept, the US Air Force, Special Operations Command (SOCOM), Army Information Systems Engineering Command (ISEC) and the Army PM Battle Command Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS). It has been tested at the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) at Ft. Huachuca, AZ and been included on the DOD IPv6 Approved Products List (APL). IPv6 products must be on the APL in order to be purchased by DOD customers. The Datatek Transformer participated as an interoperability trial at Coalition Warrrior Interoperability Demonstration (CWID) 2008 and named to its 'Most Promising Technologies' list
Product History and Roadmap
The successful completion of the IPv4-IPv6 Transformer during the SBIR Phase I and II Contracts led to Datatek being competitively selected to participate in the U.S. Army's Commercialization Pilot Program (CPP). Datatek was one of 25 companies out of over 400 SBIR companies to be selected for the CPP. Participation in the CPP will enable Datatek to successfully commercialize its IPv4-IPv6 Transformer
Upon completion of Datatek's projected product roadmap, the IPv4-IPv6 Transformer will be listed in the US Army's Common Hardware Systems (CHS-3) Ordering Guide and comply with all safety and environmental standards for sale in the United States, Canada and the European Union.
Below is a timeline of Datatek's involvement with the U.S. Army's SBIR and CPP programs:
Product Features under Development
Our current-version IPv4-IPv6 Transformer is evolving and will play a key role in many network topologies. The features under development now for sale in 2010 include:
Future Commitment
Datatek has developed a complete business and marketing plan for IPv6 Transition. The IPv4-IPv6 Transformer is the first of many products and services being planned to help you survive the coming transition to IPv6. Contact us for further information or to schedule a free trial.
Datatek has network migration products that can cut your operational costs. 
