In a significant development for the telecommunications sector, ANATEL introduced ACT No. 7971 on June 22nd, 2023, outlining technical requirements for the conformity assessment of the IPv6 protocol in telecom products. These requirements, formulated following a public consultation that concluded in March 2023, aim to ensure the seamless integration and functionality of IPv6 in telecom infrastructure.
Key updates include the incorporation of updated normative references, enhancing the robustness of the assessment process. Among the included references are standards such as 3GPP TS 36.523-1, ETSI TS 102 514, and RFC 8200, which specify protocol conformance and testing methodologies for IPv6 implementation. Additionally, the IPv6 READY CE Router Conformance Test Specification and Core Protocols Test Specification have been integrated to further refine assessment criteria.
It’s noteworthy that these requirements are applicable to products utilizing 3G and 4G technologies, excluding those limited to 2G. Products implementing 3G technology exclusively must adhere to the specifications outlined in ETSI TS 102 514 and RFC 8200.
The enforcement of this new act is slated to commence on January 8th, 2024, signaling a proactive step by ANATEL to ensure the compatibility and efficacy of IPv6 implementation across telecom products. As Brazil continues its transition towards IPv6 adoption, adherence to these standards will be pivotal for manufacturers and stakeholders to maintain product integrity and regulatory compliance in the evolving telecommunications landscape.