Three Ministries Jointly Issue the *Key Tasks for Further Advancing the Large-Scale Deployment and Application of IPv6 in 2025*, Comprehensively Building a Next-Generation Internet Ecosystem

May 22, 2025 — The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), and Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) recently jointly issued the *Key Tasks for Further Advancing the Large-Scale Deployment and Application of IPv6 in 2025* (hereinafter referred to as the Key Tasks). The document outlines the goal of establishing a globally leading IPv6 technology, industry, infrastructure, application, and security system by the end of 2025, marking a comprehensive deepening phase in China’s IPv6 deployment.

What is IPv6?

IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) is the sixth iteration of the Internet Protocol, designed to identify and locate devices (e.g., computers, smartphones, IoT devices) on the internet and enable communication between them. As an upgraded version of IPv4, it addresses IPv4’s address exhaustion issue while optimizing network performance, security, and scalability.

Core Features of IPv6:

  • 1、Massive Address Space:IPv6 uses a 128-bit address format (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334), providing approximately 21282128 addresses (≈3.4×10³⁸), far exceeding IPv4’s 4.3 billion addresses. This meets the demands of a hyper-connected future.
  • 2、Simplified Packet Structure:IPv6 headers are streamlined by removing redundant fields, improving routing efficiency and reducing processing load on network devices.2、Built-in Security:Native integration of IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) enables end-to-end encryption and authentication, enhancing data transmission security.
  • 3、Automatic Address Configuration:Devices can self-generate IPv6 addresses (stateless configuration) without relying on DHCP servers, simplifying network management.
  • 4、Enhanced Multicast and Anycast Support:Optimized for streaming media, content delivery networks (CDNs), and other scenarios, improving network resource utilization.

Why Promote IPv6?

1、Resolve IPv4 Address Exhaustion

  • IPv4’s limited 4.3 billion addresses were depleted globally by 2019. With over 10 billion connected devices driven by 5G, IoT, and smart technologies, IPv6’s vast address pool is now essential.

2、Enable a Digitally Interconnected Society

  • IoT: Each sensor and smart device requires a unique IP address. IPv6 provides infinite resources for smart homes, industrial IoT, and vehicle networks.
  • 5G & Edge Computing: High-density 5G connectivity relies on IPv6 for low-latency communication among massive devices.

3、Improve Network Performance & Efficiency

  • Eliminate NAT Complexity: IPv4’s reliance on Network Address Translation (NAT) increases latency and complexity. IPv6 assigns public IPs directly to devices, simplifying architecture.
  • Efficient Routing: IPv6’s hierarchical routing reduces global routing table size, easing backbone network loads.

4、Strengthen Cybersecurity

  • IPv6’s native IPsec safeguards data integrity and confidentiality, critical for finance, government, and other high-security sectors.

5、National Strategy & Global Competitiveness

  • Policy-Driven: China positions IPv6 as a cornerstone for building a "cyber powerhouse," accelerating deployment through initiatives like the IPv6 Scale Deployment Action Plan.
  • Global Influence: With IPv6 adoption rates exceeding 60% in countries like India and the U.S., China aims to lead in standard-setting and technological innovation.

6、Catalyze Emerging Technologies

  • Smart Cities:IPv6 supports large-scale device interconnectivity for intelligent transportation and environmental monitoring.
  • Industrial Internet: Real-time communication for factory equipment and robots depends on IPv6’s low latency and reliability.
  • Metaverse & Web3.0: Decentralized applications and virtual reality require IPv6’s global reach.

IPv6 vs. IPv4 Comparison

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Three Ministries Drive IPv6 Deployment

I. Core Goals: Dual Breakthroughs in Technology and User Scale

The Key Tasks define quantitative targets:

  • 1、User & Connection Scale: 850 million active IPv6 users and 1.1 billion IoT IPv6 connections.
  • 2、Traffic Share: Fixed-network IPv6 traffic to reach 27%, mobile-network IPv6 traffic to hit 70%.
  • 3、Full Coverage: New networks, applications, services, and terminals to enable IPv6 by default, with significant IPv6 adoption improvements in government and enterprises.
  • 4、IPv6-Only Deployment: Expand IPv6-only solutions, optimize end-to-end performance, and enhance security to bolster China’s cyber infrastructure.

II. Nine Key Tasks: Holistic IPv6 Ecosystem Development

The Key Tasks outline 42 initiatives across nine domains:

  • 1、Enhance Endogenous Growth: Strengthen policy-market synergy, leverage IPv6 advantages, and optimize address planning.
  • 2、Network Service Guarantees: Optimize IPv6 performance, upgrade broadcasting networks, and improve interoperability.
  • 3、Application Infrastructure: Ensure full IPv6 support for cloud services, CDNs, and data centers, integrated with AI.
  • 4、Deepen IPv6-Only Adoption: Expand IPv6-only use in industrial IoT and smart cities, reducing IPv4 reliance.
  • 5、Terminal Upgrades: Accelerate legacy device replacement and promote IPv6 adoption in smart homes and industrial IoT.
  • 6、Cross-Sector Integration: Prioritize IPv6 transformation in government, finance, education, and healthcare (e.g., IP-enabled remote medical devices).
  • 7、Innovation & Standards: Build an "IPv6+" ecosystem, align national with international standards, and boost global influence.
  • 8、Pilot Projects & Promotion: Launch campaigns in key cities, accelerate adoption through industry collaboration.
  • 9、Cybersecurity: Fortify IPv6 security frameworks, develop firewalls and intrusion detection systems.

III. Applications & Industrial Opportunities

IPv6 deployment will accelerate digital transformation across industries:

  • 1、Smart Manufacturing: Assign unique IPs to industrial equipment for real-time data transfer and control.
  • 2、Smart Healthcare: Enable online medical devices to support remote surgery and precision diagnostics.
  • 3、Smart Cities: Build next-gen e-government networks for efficient traffic and public safety systems.
  • 4、Industry Impact: Hardware (routers, switches, 5G base stations, IoT terminals) and solutions (cloud computing, cybersecurity) will benefit. Companies like Huawei and Wangsu Tech have long invested in IPv6.

According to the 2024 Global IPv6 Adoption Whitepaper, China added 55 million IPv6 users in 2024, ranking among Asia’s leaders. The Key Tasks for 2025 represent not only a technical roadmap but also a strategic move to drive high-quality digital economic growth. As policies take effect, IPv6 will empower industries and solidify China’s position in global internet technology leadership.