UNH-IOL Celebrates Milestone of Over 1,000 Listings in USGv6 and USGv6-r1 Product Registries
The University of New Hampshire Interoperability Labs (UNH-IOL), in collaboration with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is proud to announce a significant milestone: over 1,000 combined product entries in the USGv6 (2008) and USGv6-r1 Product Registries. This achievement underscores the progress being made in advancing IPv6 adoption within the U.S. Federal government and beyond, supporting the transition to IPv6-only networks. By the end of FY2025, the Federal government aims to have at least 80% of IP-enabled assets operating in IPv6-only environments—a goal that this milestone brings closer to realization.
The USGv6 Test Program, launched in 2008, was designed to facilitate the adoption of IPv6 across U.S. government networks. As a comprehensive testing initiative, it ensures that network products comply with IPv6 specifications established by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). The program has become a cornerstone for reliable procurement of IPv6-capable IT products and services, enabling governments and enterprises to future-proof their networks while meeting the performance and security demands of modern applications.
A Decade of Collaboration and Innovation
“The University of New Hampshire Interoperability Labs has been a vital partner in the definition, evolution, and execution of the USGv6 Testing Program,” said Doug Montgomery, Manager of Internet Technologies Research at NIST. “Providing standards-based conformance, interoperability, and functional testing covering over 1,000 distinct IPv6-enabled products has significantly benefited the networking industry as a whole and provided a vital tool to support the acquisition of IPv6 technologies by the Government.”
Since its inception, the UNH-IOL has established itself as a leader in IPv6 testing by fostering innovation and ensuring compliance within the networking industry. Through close collaboration with organizations such as NIST, the IPv6 Forum, and the IETF, the lab has played a pivotal role in driving the adoption of IPv6 technologies. Its expertise in testing and standards conformance has been instrumental in helping vendors deliver products that meet rigorous criteria for functionality, interoperability, and deployment readiness in IPv6 environments.
Supporting the Transition to IPv6-Only Networks
As the demand for IP addresses continues to grow, IPv6 has emerged as the solution to address the limitations of IPv4. Governments and enterprises worldwide are prioritizing IPv6 adoption to ensure their networks can handle the increasing number of connected devices and applications. The USGv6 Test Program plays a critical role in this transition by providing a robust framework for evaluating and certifying IPv6-enabled products.
By ensuring that networked IT products comply with IPv6 specifications, the program not only supports the Federal government’s IPv6 adoption goals but also benefits the broader networking industry. Vendors whose products are listed in the USGv6 and USGv6-r1 Product Registries gain a competitive edge, as these listings serve as proof of compliance and interoperability. For government agencies, the registries simplify the procurement process by identifying products that meet stringent IPv6 requirements.
Enhancing Testing Capabilities with IOL INTACT®
To further streamline the testing process, the UNH-IOL offers IOL INTACT®, an advanced software solution designed to enhance development cycles and improve test readiness. IOL INTACT® supports testing under both the USGv6 and IPv6 Ready Logo programs, ensuring that products meet the highest standards for functionality, interoperability, and deployment readiness. By leveraging this software, vendors can accelerate their product development timelines while maintaining compliance with IPv6 specifications.
The use of IOL INTACT® reflects the UNH-IOL’s commitment to innovation and efficiency. By providing tools that simplify and expedite the testing process, the lab empowers vendors to bring IPv6-compliant products to market faster, ultimately accelerating the adoption of IPv6 technologies across industries.
A Foundation for Future Growth
This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the USGv6 Test Program—from the UNH-IOL team to the vendors who have committed to IPv6 compliance. By achieving over 1,000 product listings, the program has demonstrated its ability to support the Federal government’s IPv6 adoption goals while delivering value to the broader networking industry.
For those interested in learning more about the USGv6 Test Program, IPv6 testing and certification, or exploring the full product registry, additional information is available on the UNH-IOL IPv6 Testing Service webpage. As the networking landscape continues to evolve, the UNH-IOL remains committed to fostering innovation, ensuring compliance, and supporting the transition to IPv6-only networks—one milestone at a time.
About UNH Interoperability Labs (UNH-IOL)
The University of New Hampshire Interoperability Labs (UNH-IOL) is an independent provider of broad-based testing and standards conformance services for the networking and data communications industry. Since 1988, UNH-IOL has been at the forefront of multi-vendor interoperability, offering a neutral and secure environment for testing emerging technologies and developing testing solutions to help companies deliver products to market. With over 28,000 square feet of advanced lab space and multimillion-dollar testbeds, the lab supports a wide range of technologies including Ethernet, IPv6, NVMe®, and automotive networking. UNH-IOL is a 100% industry-funded, non-profit organization shaping global standards while preparing the next generation of engineers through hands-on student engagement and workforce development in collaboration with the University of New Hampshire.
