China: Facing internet address shortage

In approximately 830 days, China's IPv4 address resource will run out, unless another resource is found. After this point, new Netizens will not be able to gain normal access to the Internet and it will be impossible for network operators to expand their business, according to the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC).

Most of the networks in China use IPv4 addresses, the number of the IPv4 addresses are limited and 80% have been used.

Li Kai, director in charge of the IP business for CNNIC's international department, said that a new IPv6 network address - which is a basic network resource without these limitations - has been developed in America. However, to pursue the Ipv6 solution will involve a lot of time and money on updating their equipment.

CNNIC has begun reminding operators to apply for the remaining IP addresses as soon as possible, and to prepare for the provision of IPv6 addresses to Netizens.

Source: ZDNet Asia and EJC Media