1. Given the transition to using IPv6 next-hops for IPv4 routes at IXPs as outlined by RFC8950, what are the main technical challenges you foresee in implementing this at scale across various IXPs, and how is the working group planning to address these?

The main technical challenge is the proper interworking of all BGP routers in use by IXP members. Like with all other standards, vendors usually move upon customer requirements. Considering product life-cycle it takes a few years from customer request to full implementation in the field. Luckily IXP members are usually more open to technical novelties (e.g. IPv6 uptake is higher than in enterprise networks). As it stands, IXP members can use RFC8950 today - in bilateral BGP sessions. To make the deployment scale, IXP will need to support RFC8950 on their route servers. This will require some changes to the tool chain and relevant amounts of testing. The same is true for network operators who will also need to adapt their tool chain. The working group members are engaging with network operators, vendors, developers and IXPs to spread awareness of the feature and to help with the implementation.

2. The working group's initial activities include defining member requirements and evaluating vendor support. Can you share insights on the current state of vendor readiness for RFC8950 implementation and any significant gaps the group has identified?

The working group has collaborated with several contributors to test a basic set of functionality in vendors' BGP implementations. We keep a growing list of the results on GitHub. We can confidently say that major state-of-the-art router platforms have decent support for RFC8950 as required for interconnection.
Unfortunately some older or lower end platforms seem to have this feature very low on their roadmap. The missing support in other popular platforms may become a hurdle for a wide adoption.

3. Collaboration and knowledge sharing are crucial for the success of such a technical endeavour. How is the working group facilitating this among its members, and are there plans for any collaborative tools or platforms to engage the wider community?

Indeed, it's important to spread the word and to reach as many people in the industry as possible. In the current stage, the most sensible approach is to use existing platforms (NOG meetings, peering fora etc.) to convince enthusiasts who are connected in their communities and responsible for their (customers') networks. We believe it's a long term project to win a critical mass.

To keep up to date on all Euro-IX activities, see the working group page on the Euro-IX website: Working Groups.