Ericsson, SmarTone & BT stage world's 1st successful demo of end-to-end IPv6

Ericsson, SmarTone and BT stage world's first successful demonstration of end-to-end IPv6 in a mobile network Ericsson, BT Wireless and SmarTone in Hong Kong have staged the world's first successful end-to-end demonstration of IPv6, the next-generation Internet Protocol, in a mobile network. The SmarTone trial was built on Ericsson's network-enabling IPv6 systems and know-how, together with BT Wireless' research and development activities. Ericsson, a leader in IPv6 development, has a long-term co- operative relationship with SmarTone in the leading edge Hong Kong operator's infrastructure development. "We trialed IPv6 on SmarTone's mobile network, including GPRS with currently available software, and wireless LANs," stated Chris Fenton, 3G Service Development and Trial Manager at BT Wireless. "We also tested other scenarios, such as roaming between the fixed and wireless networks and IPv4/IPv6 interworking, all successfully." With the explosive growth of IP-based networks, devices and services, most experts believe that the 32-bit based IPv4 addresses will run out within the next few years. IPv6, with its 128-bit address base, will provide 38 3.4x10 available addresses - in other words, enough to accommodate an IP address for every imaginable Internet-ready device to come. IPv6 allows network architects to revisit many important IP-related issues in addition to the IP address shortage, such as security, quality of service, mobility, multicasting, and network management. "A new level of end-to-end IP-based services and applications will be enabled by IPv6," stated Ulf Ewaldsson, Deputy Managing Director of Ericsson in Hong Kong. "IPv6 is an important part of the Ericsson vision, with billions of devices that are constantly on-line, providing the user with an uninterrupted, personalized and location-independent experience." "It is crucial that we begin trialing IPv6 on our network as soon as possible, so that we can gain solid knowledge and insights of the potential it brings to the development of mobile Internet applications and services," said Stephen Chau, SmarTone's Chief Technical Officer. "The IPv6 trial further reinforces our commitment to meeting our customers' future communications needs. By incorporating IPv6, our customers will enjoy the convenience of 'always on, always connected' service brought to them by means of an unlimited supply of IP addresses, allocated to new mobile terminals and devices." Read about Ipv6 at: http://www.ericsson.net/review/2000_01/article94.shtml Ericsson is the leading communications supplier, combining innovation in mobility and Internet in creating the new era of mobile Internet. Ericsson provides total solutions covering everything from systems and applications to mobile phones and other communications tools. With more than 100,000 employees in 140 countries, Ericsson simplifies communications for customers all over the world. Read more at http://www.ericsson.com/pressroom FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT At Ericsson: Press Office, Division Mobile Systems Ericsson Corporate Communications Phone: +46 70 699 9412; E-mail: press.mobilesystems@lme.ericsson.se Rebecca Tong, Communications Officer, Ericsson (Hong Kong) Phone: +852 2590 2556; E-mail: rebecca.tong@ehk.ericsson.se At SmarTone Mobile Communications Ltd.: Anita Tsui, Senior Manager, PR & Corporate Affairs Corporate Communications Phone: +852 259 437 70; E-mail: anita_tsui@hksmartone.com Fax: +852 282 782 13; Website: www.smartone.com.hk At BT Wireless: William Ostrom, Corporate Communications Phone: +44 1753 565 453; E-mail: william.ostrom@btcellnet.net Fax: +44 91753 565 027 About SmarTone SmarTone is a major communications service provider in Hong Kong offering a wide range of telecommunications services, including mobile voice, wireless data, IDD and broadband Internet services. SmarTone is committed to technology development and service excellence. In September 1999, SmarTone became the world's first operator to launch its WAP service. The Group was also the first operator in Hong Kong to pilot launch GPRS, establishing a solid foundation for wireless data and 3G. SmarTone (SEHK: 0315) is a public company and a constituent stock of the Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong. The Company's major shareholders include Sun Hung Kai Properties (27.06%) and British Telecommunications plc (20.05%). For more information, please visit the following website: http://www.smartone.com.hk About BT Wireless BT wireless is one of BT's new lines of business, announced earlier this year, formed to address global wireless markets. It provides management focus for the 14 existing mobile joint ventures (JV) across the globe. BT wireless provides strategic steer from its investments in R&D for advanced technology, market research for product development and evolution, and vendor engagement for integrated product solutions. BT wireless launched the world's first GPRS service this year through BTCellnet in the UK. BT Cellnet is also the UK's mobile Internet market leader with the majority of all WAP sales. BT announced in November plans for a stock exchange listing of up to 25% of BT wireless during 2001. The SmarTone Ipv6 trial is an example of world leading technology developments that is used across the BT mobile JV's creating consistent global service offerings. For more information, please visit the following website: http://www.bt.com About IPv6 The Internet Protocol in use today, known as IPv4 (Internet Protocol Version 4), was developed several years ago. Among its shortcomings, seen from the perspective of today's communications environment, is an impending shortage of addresses as more and more devices require a unique, dedicated IP address. Most experts in the field believe that the 32-bit based IPv4 addresses will run out within the next few years. IPv6, with its 128-bit address 38 base, will provide 3.4x10 available addresses - in other words, enough to accommodate an IP address for every imaginable Internet-ready device. The looming shortage of IP addresses, if not addressed through IPv6, will affect the growth of Internet applications and services and hinder the development of Internet-enabled devices, since every device connected to the Internet, whether mobile or stationary, needs a globally unique address to enable it to communicate with other Internet-connected devices. The increased volume of IP addresses and other enhancements enabled by IPv6 will enable a much more diverse range of Internet-enabled services, especially those distributed over several Internet-connected devices and requiring machine-to-machine communication. IPv6 is a significant enhancement over IPv4, retaining everything good about IPv4 while providing, in addition to the multitude of new addresses, enhanced scalability, security, ease-of-configuration, and quality of service. IPv6 will work on a range of operating systems such as UNIX, LINUX, Soloaris, and Windows2000 and NT with upgrade patches. Read more at: http://www.ipv6forum.com