A New Protocol Format for the Future

There are currently more than 350 million people actively using the Internet and the number of users continues to grow. Every use of the Internet, as well as every device that accesses the Internet, needs a unique IP (Internet Protocol) address. The current version of IP addresses is version 4, and is referred to as IPv4. With the ever increasing use of the Internet and devices that access it, the remaining pool of available IPv4 addresses has been substantially depleted.

In order to make additional IP addresses available, a new address type has been created. This
new address type is called IPv6 and will be used simultaneously with IPv4. It is predicted that by 2012, the remaining IPv4 address space will be completely exhausted. Internet Service Providers (ISPs), such as Time Warner Cable, will continue to provide service through this transition over a dual IPv4- and IPv6-enabled connection.

For a huge majority of Internet users, this transition will be seamless. Review the information provided here to better understand the IPv6 transition, its potential impact to you and suggested ways to be prepared.

Time Warner Cable is Prepared

• Time Warner Cable is an inaugural participant in World IPv6 Launch (http://www.worldipv6launch.org), and is working to enable IPv6 for our subscribers.
• At least 1% of our high-speed data subscribers will be able to reach IPv6 websites by June 6, 2012.
• Subscribers of our wideband tier, and Signature Home customers, will automatically have IPv6 enabled when it is available in their area. Subscribers who provide their own home gateways should look for gateways supporting IPv6.
• Since not all vendors have met Time Warner Cable's strict quality standards, production service may not be immediately available in all areas.
• Time Warner Cable Business Class will begin offering an IPv6 Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) service in early 2012.

A Statement from Mike LaJoie, Chief Technology Officer

Time Warner Cable has long been preparing for the eventual end of IPv4 address availability. We've decided that the best architecture for ensuring the level of performance our customers expect is "dual stack," which supports both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols.

We, along with other Multiple System Operators (MSOs), have been working with CableLabs, the National Cable Telecommunications Association (NCTA) and the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) in a multi-industry effort to adopt the IPv6 protocol, and
are hopeful that companies in Consumer Electronics (CE) and vendor communities begin to offer new equipment and provide firmware upgrades that ensure the devices in our customers' homes support IPv6.