Case Studies - Defence

QinetiQ's world class expertise in IP networks supported Ball Solutions Group in developing a plan for the Australian Defence Organisation (ADO) to adopt next generation IPv6 networking technology.

Key Benefits
The Australian Defence Organisation (ADO) now has a clear plan, based on internationally recognised expertise, for technical and organizational transition.

The plan includes explicit actions the ADO should take to achieve transition in the required timescale.

The ADO now has a developed rationale for requesting the necessary IPv6 address space from the relevant agency.

Background and Challenge
The US DoD has announced its intent to migrate its networks to IP version 6 by 2008, impacting all of its Allies. The Australian Defence Force currently operates with IPv4 but has stated policy to transition by 2013.

The ADO needed expert advice on how to plan, organise and carry out this migration efficiently and without degrading operational capability during the transition process. There are significant technical issues arising from operating mixed IPv4 and IPv6 networks, necessary during a lengthy transition phase.

Ball Solutions Group, an Australian defence consultancy, won a competitive contract to produce the transition plan.

Methodology
Ball formed a team comprising their lead consultant, who understood the ADO structure, and world class IPv6 experts: a QinetiQ principal consultant and 2 others from the US.

The team worked by email and teleconference to produce a report.

The QinetiQ consultant attended a workshop in Canberra with ADO staff to discuss and clarify issues.

QinetiQ provided specific material on transition options and interworking mechanisms based on experimental experience gained in UK MOD research programmes.

Customer comments
Ball Group's programme manager stated:
QinetiQ's personnel were professional and highly capable and responsive. QinetiQ management was flexible, professional and conducted in a trusting, productive environment and excellent relationship.