China has officially launched its next generation Internet network CERNET2, a breakthrough in the country's Internet technology. Opening on Saturday, the CERNET2, China's first IP version 6 network, marks a milestone in China's Internet development although it is currently only used for academic exchanges by universities.

It is the world's largest Internet Protocol Version 6 network.

Compared with the current IP Version 4, the new version is capable of allocating endless IP addresses, and features a transportation speed of 10G per second, 1000 times faster than the current speed.

By creating a digital network in their own homes, in the near future Chinese people could use it to enjoy video and audio communications, information resources, and the benefits of far-away education and health care services. 

(CRI December 26, 2004)