IPv6 and Extended IPv6 (IPv6++) Features That Enable Autonomic Network Setup and Operation

In this paper we present an insight on the IPv6 features and a few examples of propositions for Extensions to IPv6 protocols, which enable autonomic network set-up and operation. The concept of autonomicity-realized through control-loop structures embedded within node/device architectures and the overall network architecture as a whole is an enabler for advanced self-manageability of network devices and the network as a whole. GANA Model for Autonomic networking introduces autonomic manager components at various levels of abstraction of functionality within device architectures and the overall network architecture, which are capable of performing autonomic management and control of their associated Managed-Entities (MEs) e.g. protocols, as well as co-operating with each other in driving the self-managing features of the Network(s). MEs are started, configured, constantly monitored and dynamically regulated by the autonomic managers towards optimal and reliable network services. This amounts to what we call autonomic setup and operation of the network. We present how to achieve this, and also present the features that IPv6 protocols exhibit, that are fundamental to designing and building self-configuring, self-optimizing and self-healing networks i.e. IPv6 based autonomic networks.