As the internet and it’s usage continues to expand, it brings some infrastructural problems along with all the opportunities. As of now, there are predictions that the IP address bank might fall short.  It’s caused the White House to issue an advisory, according to BizReport,

Some experts warn the supply of IP addresses in the U.S. could run out as early as this December, but all agree they will definitely be exhausted by the end of 2011. As of the beginning of September this year, 94.5% of address space had been allocated. Such is the concern that the White House has issued an advisory to Internet Service Providers encouraging them to address the issue by upgrading their systems to IPv6, or “Next Generation Internet” as it’s widely known, from the current IPv4 protocol.

The exponential expansion of internet use can be linked to increased internet access via mobile phones. Newer and more powerful smart phones keep coming, thus, making internet browsing easier and more popular. Whatever the reasons behind the situation, the transition to IPv6 has become inevitable. This is mainly because of the ability of IPv6 to support more users. This infrastructure update will come with it’s costs and compatibility issues. It is reported that this transition won’t effect end users, however, ISP’s and developers would need upgrades in technology.