Summary

Graceful restart for dynamic routing protocols

Along with VCStack, the other key component of this IPv6 high availability solution is the implementation of graceful restart (also known as non-stop forwarding) within IPv6 dynamic routing protocols. Graceful restart is a feature that has been added to routing protocols (RIP, OSPF, BGP) in recent years. It enables Layer 3 routing to continue uninterrupted even while one of the routers in the network is, for a brief period, not participating in the routing protocol that is used to populate the routers’ route tables.

In normal circumstances, when routers detect that a neighbor is no longer participating in the routing protocol, they discard routes learnt from that neighbor. With graceful restart, the router that is going to briefly drop out of the protocol can inform its neighbors of its intention, and request that they continue to operate as though it was still participating.

Combining VCStack and graceful restart allows achievement of true Layer 3 router resiliency. VCStack enables multiple Layer 3 switches to operate together as one, and graceful restart keeps data flowing if the master switch of the VCStack is lost and the stack briefly drops out of a routing protocol while a new master takes over.

Combining that with graceful restart within the routing protocols provides a solution that can enable a Layer 3 switched IPv6 network to hitlessly recover from link loss, and recover from the loss of a stack member in very few seconds.

The standard Internet protocol of the future is IPv6. In the coming years, a great deal of time and effort will be expended in the process of transferring data communication systems from IPv4 to IPv6. The simpler this process is made for people, the more smoothly it will progress, and the less it will cost.

By providing a resilient Layer 3 switching solution, at an affordable price, that enables IPv4 and IPv6 to work in parallel with equal reliability and performance, Allied Telesis is able to help smooth the transition, as shown in diagram 3.

Full support for IPv6 transition technologies and resilient network products and protocols ensure that Allied Telesis switching technology provides a solution that is easy to manage, scalable and future-proof.

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ACCESS

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Diagram 3 - IPv4 and IPv6 dynamic routing in parallel via a VCStack Layer 3 switch

High Availability IPv6 7

IPV6 specifications

Allied Telesis is a leader in providing advanced networking solutions, and its implementation of IPv6 technology showcases their commitment to future-proof networking. With the exhaustion of IPv4 addresses, the transition to IPv6 is more critical than ever. Allied Telesis's IPv6 solutions offer an array of features, technologies, and characteristics designed to enhance connectivity and performance in today's digital landscape.

One of the standout features of Allied Telesis's IPv6 implementation is its robust support for dual-stack networking. This allows organizations to run both IPv4 and IPv6 simultaneously, ensuring seamless communication as they transition to the newer protocol. This dual-stack capability is essential for businesses that need to maintain legacy systems while adopting modern internet standards.

Additionally, Allied Telesis devices are equipped with advanced routing protocols that support IPv6, such as OSPFv3 and RIB (Routing Information Base). These protocols enable efficient routing and management of IP addresses across large networks. This enhances routing efficiency and optimizes network performance, crucial for enterprises operating in a high-demand environment.

Security is another vital aspect of Allied Telesis’s IPv6 features. The technology includes native support for IPsec, which provides encryption and secure tunneling capabilities for data transmission. This built-in security feature ensures robust protection against potential threats, giving organizations peace of mind as they expand their IP infrastructure.

Another important characteristic of Allied Telesis's IPv6 technology is its simplified network management tools. The implementation of IPv6 promotes stateless address autoconfiguration (SLAAC), allowing devices to configure their own IP addresses automatically. This reduces the administrative burden on IT teams and decreases the chances of address conflicts within the network.

Moreover, Allied Telesis's IPv6 solutions are designed with quality of service (QoS) in mind. This is particularly crucial for organizations that rely on voice and video over IP applications, where latency and packet loss must be minimized to maintain a high-quality user experience.

In conclusion, Allied Telesis’s IPv6 technology is a comprehensive solution that combines dual-stack support, advanced routing protocols, robust security measures, simplified management, and QoS features. These aspects make it a compelling choice for organizations seeking to upgrade their network infrastructure and embrace the future of internet connectivity. With Allied Telesis, businesses can confidently transition to IPv6 and unlock greater capabilities for their networking needs.