IPv4 Address Exhaustion: Vietnam's Role in Promoting IPv6 Transition in the Asia-Pacific Region

In the context of the strong development of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G, ensuring the safety and sustainable development of Internet infrastructure is becoming a major challenge for the international community.

The 60th Asia- Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC 60) Membership Meeting, held in Da Nang, is not only an event to discuss Internet policies and resources, but also an opportunity for countries, organizations, and businesses in the region to share solutions to deal with urgent issues in the development of the global Internet system.

Challenges in IPv6 Deployment and Network Security

One of the key issues discussed at the conference was the implementation of Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6), a network protocol considered to be an important foundation for the future of the Internet.

Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4), the current protocol, has almost exhausted its address space, so IPv6 is considered as an alternative solution. However, although the transition to IPv6 has been strongly promoted, countries and organizations still face many difficulties in synchronously deploying this system, especially in terms of infrastructure and costs.

From left to right: Mr. Nguyen Hong Thang, Director of VNNIC - Mr. Vu The Binh, Vice President, General Secretary of Vietnam Internet Association - Mr. Kenny Huang, Chairman of APNIC Management Board - Mr. Jia Rong Low, Director of APNIC. (Photo: Thanh Phong/Vietnam+)

According to Mr. Jia Rong Low, Director of APNIC, “IPv6 will be the foundation to support all current technologies such as AI, IoT and other Internet applications,” but “the transition between IPv4 and IPv6 is still a big challenge, especially the infrastructure and cost challenges, as well as the issues of safety, governance and network security during this transition.”

Network security and routing protection

Cyber security is also mentioned as a key factor in ensuring the stability and safety of the global Internet. In the context of increasingly sophisticated and complex cyber attacks, protecting the Internet routing system has become one of the top priorities.

To do this, it is important to apply routing security technologies such as Resource Public Key Infrastructure (RPKI). RPKI helps protect routing information and prevent route hijacking attacks.

Vietnam currently has a very high Route Origin Authorization (ROA) rate, with 96% valid IPv4 routes, which is a remarkable achievement. According to Mr. Nguyen Hong Thang, Director of Vietnam Internet Network Information Center (VNNIC), "In parallel with expanding connectivity, we must ensure Internet security."

Mr. Nguyen Hong Thang, Director of VNNIC, spoke at the 60th APNIC Conference. (Photo: Thanh Phong/Vietnam+)

"Vietnam is currently the top country among the 30 countries using the most IPv4 resources and has switched to the RPKI protocol along with many other solutions to ensure Internet security," Mr. Thang emphasized.

International cooperation: Strengthening connectivity and knowledge sharing

An indispensable element in addressing issues of Internet security and sustainable development is international cooperation.

At the 60th APNIC conference, bilateral meetings were held between the Vietnam Internet Network Information Center (VNNIC) and international organizations such as the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC), the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and the Internet Resources Authority of India (NIXI). These discussions focused on expanding cooperation on network connectivity, especially the development of Internet exchange (IX), an important factor in enhancing the stability and speed of global Internet connectivity.

Mr. Nguyen Hong Thang shared: “Vietnam is committed to building a modern, safe and inclusive Internet infrastructure, working with domestic agencies and enterprises to improve capacity and awareness of technical and technological issues in the field of Internet resources.”

Internet in Vietnam: Pioneer in infrastructure development

2025 marks 25 years of VNNIC accompanying the development of the Internet in Vietnam, and more than 27 years since Vietnam officially connected to the global Internet.

Vietnam is currently among the top 10 countries in the world in IPv6 deployment, with a deployment rate of 65%. This is a proud achievement, reflecting the efforts and commitment of VNNIC and other agencies and organizations in building a modern and secure Internet system.

The 60th Meeting of Members of the Asia- Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC 60). (Photo: Thanh Phong/Vietnam+)

Mr. Nguyen Hong Thang, Director of VNNIC shared, “Internet of Things (IoT) is the current trend, an important foundation for urban development, smart factories and many other things. We have converted 65%, and it is expected that in the next 5 years we will accelerate the conversion to IPv6-only. That is, completely using new generation addresses, this is an important goal and is being vigorously implemented by VNNIC.”

The 60th APNIC Conference pointed out many challenges to the security and development of the global Internet, and at the same time, was an opportunity for countries, organizations and businesses to share experiences and seek solutions to deal with cybersecurity challenges and deploy new technologies.

As the host, Vietnam has affirmed its role in the regional and global Internet community, effectively implementing the strategic directions of the Politburo, demonstrating its leading role in the region in policy making, developing new generation Internet infrastructure, promoting technical cooperation, sharing experiences and connecting the global Internet community./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/su-can-kiet-dia-chi-ipv4-vai-tro-cua-viet-nam-trong-thuc-day-chuyen-doi-ipv6-tai-khu-vuc-chau-a-thai-binh-duong-post1060824.vnp