To deeply implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, accelerate the construction of a network power, and solidly promote the deep deployment and application of IPv6, in accordance with the "Regulations on Radio Administration of the People's Republic of China" and "Regulations on Radio Transmission Equipment", our ministry recently issued the "Notice on Conducting IPv6 Protocol Capability Testing for WLAN Devices in Radio Transmission Equipment Model Approval" (hereinafter referred to as the "Notice").

The content is interpreted as follows:

Background of the Notice's Release

Promoting comprehensive support for IPv6 in terminal products is a key task in China's IPv6 deployment. In 2017, the General Offices of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council issued the "Action Plan for the Large-Scale Deployment of the Sixth Version of the Internet Protocol (IPv6)", stating that by the end of 2025, networks, applications, and terminals should fully support IPv6. In 2021, our ministry introduced the "Notice on Strengthening and Regulating Radio Management in the 2400MHz, 5100MHz, and 5800MHz Bands" (MIIT No. [2021] 129), further clarifying that WLAN devices with public IP address allocation capabilities should support the IPv6 protocol and enable IPv6 address allocation by default. Requirements for IPv6 support capability testing in model approval were put forward.

Given the vast number of WLAN devices and the wide range of involved enterprises, we initially carried out the following:

1.      firstly, organized in-depth research by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology and the National Radio Monitoring Center on the capability of WLAN devices to support the IPv6 protocol. The research showed that except for a few old models, the WLAN devices on the market basically have the capability to support IPv6.

2.      Secondly, model approval testing institutions were guided to enhance their IPv6 testing capabilities, and all relevant institutions now possess IPv6 testing capabilities.

3.      Thirdly, preliminary testing was conducted on some products according to the testing methods in the "Notice", showing that the testing methods are practical. In conclusion, conditions are now in place to test IPv6 support capabilities during model approval.

Main Content of the Notice

The main content of the "Notice" stipulates:

1.      firstly, WLAN devices with IPv6 address allocation capability sold and used within China must apply for and obtain model approval in accordance with radio management regulations.

2.      Secondly, WLAN devices should have the IPv6 address allocation function enabled by default, while allowing users to configure it themselves.

3.      Thirdly, model approval testing institutions must possess IPv6 protocol testing capabilities.

4.      Fourthly, basic telecom operators should support and encourage users to access the internet via IPv6 WLAN devices, while clarifying that users can still access the internet using other existing WLAN devices.

The annex to the "Notice" provides technical requirements and testing methods for WLAN devices to support the IPv6 protocol.

What Should Enterprises Manufacturing, Importing, and Selling WLAN Devices Pay Attention to After the Notice is Issued?

Starting from December 1, 2023, when enterprises apply for WLAN device model approval, they must conduct IPv6 protocol capability testing according to the technical requirements and testing methods stipulated in this "Notice". Also, from this date, relevant enterprises should cease the production or import of WLAN devices that do not meet the requirements of this "Notice". However, WLAN devices produced or imported before this date can continue to be sold and used until they are discarded.

What Should Users of WLAN Devices Pay Attention to After the Notice is Issued?

After the issuance of the "Notice", there will be no impact on users using WLAN devices. Relevant content in the "Notice" regarding the use of WLAN devices by users includes:

1.      firstly, WLAN devices used by users should have the IPv6 function enabled by default, and this function should be activated by the manufacturer when the product leaves the factory.

2.      Secondly, users retain the ability to configure the IPv6 function of the WLAN device themselves, meaning users can choose whether to enable the IPv6 function, and the configuration method should be clearly stated in the product instructions.

3.      Thirdly, for existing un-upgraded WLAN devices that support IPv6, users can still access the internet normally. Operators or other entities must not impose corresponding usage restrictions.

What Specific Requirements and Testing Methods Does the Notice Put Forward for WLAN Devices to Support IPv6 Technology?

The annex to the "Notice" defines three basic technical requirements:

1.      firstly, WLAN devices with public IP address allocation capabilities must support the IPv6 protocol and have the IPv6 function enabled by default.

2.      Secondly, when such WLAN devices operate in layer-2 bridge mode, they must support transparent transmission of IPv6 packets.

3.      Thirdly, when operating in layer-3 routing mode, devices must support the allocation of IPv6 addresses to accessing users and the forwarding of user IPv6 packets.

The annex to the "Notice" sets up three testing scenarios:

1.      firstly, network devices operating in layer-3 routing mode and WLAN devices operating in layer-2 bridge mode.

2.      Secondly, network devices operating in layer-2 bridge mode, and WLAN devices operating in layer-3 routing mode.

3.      Thirdly, both network devices and WLAN devices operating in layer-3 routing mode.

The first two are mandatory testing scenarios, while the third is optional.

For each testing scenario, the annex to the "Notice" provides specific testing methods and judgment criteria, detailing the testing environment, testing steps, expected results, and judgment criteria. The test results serve as the basis for model approval.

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