Internet is running out of IP addresses...but don't panic!

It's time to update your calendars: the world IPv6 Day will start on June 8!

IPv4 vs IPv6 protocol comparison

The internet as we know it is running out of available IP addresses. The current IPv4 web protocol only provides about four billion unique web address and with almost seven billion people on the planet that means not everyone can even have their own IP address not to mention having multiple internet enabled devices. This is where the new IPv6 standard comes to the rescue. Unlike its 32-bit predecessor the new 128-bit IPv6 format allows for trillions of Internet addresses which will support a virtually unlimited number of devices.

IPv4 address utilization in 2000 vs 2010

And what if we do not embrace the new Internet standard? Well, there is no need to panic. According to a Google network engineer tasked with transitioning the Internet giant to the new IPv6 standard: "The Internet won't stop working; it will just slowly degrade," and with time "things will get slower and flakier."

Test your internet connection speed for free with SPEEDTEST.NET

SPEEDTEST.NET - begin test

Ever wonder just how fast your internet connection really is? Surely there are many services that can test this for you but for some reason I keep coming back to SPEEDTEST.NET which also happens to be FREE. Perhaps its the intuitive and simple user interface or the fact that it just works every time. But what I think sets SPEEDTEST apart from other similar services is that it lets you pick a destination server pretty much anywhere around the world to test against and also provides an iPhone companion application that enables connection testing on the iPhone via a native iPhone app.

SPEEDTEST.NET - test results

AirLink AWLL5088 Wireless N 150 Ultra Mini USB Adapter

AirLink AWLL5088 Wireless N 150 Ultra Mini USB Adapter

This is perhaps the smallest draft-N USB wireless adapter in existence. Perfect for a laptop or a desktop still using older 802.11b/g wireless technology. Super compact design means it won't protrude much from the USB port and can be left permanently plugged into a laptop. Visit AirLink web site for other network products.

- 802.11n
- Power saving technology
- WPA/WPA2 and WEP 64/128-bit wireless security
- Ultra compact design
- Backwards compatible with 802.11b/g/n network devices
- RoHS compliant
- 2.4GHz frequency
- USB 2.0 interface
- Supports data rates up to 150Mbps
- Built-in chip antenna
- Dimensions: 34 x 14 x 6mm (L x W x H)
- Link/Power LEDs
- 1-year warranty
- Works with Windows and Mac

Apple AirPort Express simple draft-n wireless solution

Apple AirPort Express

If you are like me and have been looking for a fast yet simple wireless solution for your home take a look at the AirPort Express from Apple. It is small and compact and has no power cords - just plug it into electrical outlet and it comes to life. AirPort Express supports the latest n-draft wireless for fast transfers and is also backwards compatible with a/b/g. And of course Apple makes the setup easy.

Specifications at a glance:
- 802.11a/b/g/n wireless
- NAT firewall, DHCP, PPPoE, VPN Passthrough (IPSec, PPTP, and L2TP), DNS Proxy, SNMP, IPv6
- MAC address filtering
- 3.7 inches (94.01 mm) x 2.95 inches (75.00 mm) x 1.12 inches (28.5 mm)
- Weights 7.4 ounces (210 grams)
- WPA/WPA2 and WEP wireless security with 128-bit encryption
- One 10/100BASE-T Ethernet port for connecting a modem or Ethernet network
- USB port for a USB printer
- 3.5-mm audio minijack for analog or optical digital sound
- Power supply is built-in so no power cord
- 2.4GHz or 5GHz bandwidth
- Time-based access control
full specs


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Motorola SB6120 SURFboard DOCSIS 3.0 eXtreme Broadband Cable Modem

Motorola SB6120 SURFboard DOCSIS 3.0 eXtreme Broadband Cable Modem

If you are looking for a new broadband cable modem - look no further! This slick Motorola modem packs a punch into a small form factor. It is using the latest Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification - DOCSIS 3.0 standard which supports channel bonding. Channel bonding enables multiple downstream and upstream channels to be utilized at the same time by the same subscriber. Thanks to channel bonding users get to enjoy blistering fast download and upload speeds - up to 160 Mbps down, and up to 120 Mbps up.

Features:
- 10/100/1000Base-T Gigabit Port offers incredible wired speeds
- DOCSIS 3.0 Certified
- Up to 160 Mbps downstream, and up to 120 Mbps upstream
- Intuitive and easy to understand front panel with status LEDs
- Works with Windows®, Macintosh®, and UNIX®
- Slim design saves precious space