USGv6 Testing Program

What is USGv6?

USGv6 is a test program designated by NIST that provides a proof of compliance to IPv6 specifications outlined in current industry standards for common network products. It is meant as a strategic planning guide for USG (United States Government) IT acquisitions to help ensure the completeness, correctness, interoperability and security of early IPv6 product offerings so as to protect early USG investments in the technology.

The scope of the current USGv6 profile is limited to products that provide network layer IPv6 capabilities (i.e., the "IPv6 stacks"), the management/controls of protocols necessary to support these network layer capabilities (e.g., routing, naming, configuration/management protocols) and the IPv6 network protection products (e.g., firewalls, IDSs). Additionally, there are two areas of USGv6 compliance: Conformance with the specifications in the NIST profile and Interoperability with other vendor's products.

For more information on the specifics of the USGv6 profile, please refer to the USGv6-FAQ on the USGv6 website.

Why Choose the UNH-IOL?

The UNH-IOL offers ISO/IEC 17025 accredited testing designed specifically for the USGv6 test program. In operation for over 20 years, the UNH-IOL has a proven track record of quality and objectivity.

How do I test at the UNH-IOL?

Testing with the UNH-IOL is simple and easy. After obtaining a membership or commission for a one-time test, ship us your device and schedule the desired testing. Testing will begin during the scheduled time slot, and periodic updates will be sent alerting you of both progress and any issues discovered. After the testing is complete, we will issue an official third party report. This report can be used to show USGv6 compliance. If failures are found, we will retest the failures (for members) at anytime throughout the year to verify the problem has been resolved. Members will be allowed to schedule new testing once their test slot is complete.

What type of devices require this testing?

• Router

  A Node that interconnects sub-networks by packet forwarding. A Router's primary purpose is to support the control protocols necessary to enable interconnection of distinct IP sub- networks by IP layer packet forwarding.

• Host

  Any Node that is not a Router. A Host's primary purpose is to support application protocols that are the source and/or destination of IP layer communication.

• NPD

  Firewalls or Intrusion Detection / Prevention devices that examine and selectively block or modify network traffic.

What type of testing is required per device?

Host

The following testing is available through an IPv6 Consortium Membership:

Router

The following testing is available through a Routing Consortium membership:

A typical Router test cycle will also include the protocols listed above which is only available through an IPv6 Consortium membership.

IP Security Protocols

If the device supports IP Security Protocols, then the following test procedures are available. This testing is available through an IPv6 Consortium membership.

Network Protection Devices

NPD testing is available with either a Routing Consortium membership or an IPv6 Consortium membership.

What is a typical USGv6 Test Cycle? How many test slots does it require?

Time required to perform specific test procedures depends on the device under test as well as the schedule in the lab. Typical USGv6 test cycles run between 6 - 8 weeks, but it is highly dependent on the feature set under test. Only one (1) test slot is needed to schedule IPv6 Host and Security protocols. For a Router supporting IGW and EGW, one test slot is required in both the Routing Consortium and the IPv6 Consortium (covers IPv6 Basic, SLAAC, Addr Arch and Security) . For a specific timeframe on your product, please contact the IPv6 Consortium manager or Routing Consortium manager.

Testing is complete, what's next?