BASKING RIDGE, N.J. -- Verizon has begun testing on its all-fiber FiOS network a new Internet communications protocol that will enable the Internet to continue to expand and facilitate the future development of innovative services.

The new protocol – known as Internet Protocol version 6, or IPv6 – is designed to eventually replace the current Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4), which over the next few years is expected to reach the maximum number of IP addresses it can accommodate, due to the rapid growth of the World Wide Web and IP-connected devices.

IPv6 expands the number of possible addresses from approximately 4 billion with IPv4 to roughly 340 trillion trillion trillion IPv6 addresses.

Because both IPv4 and IPv6 will be in use during the expected lengthy transition period, network-connected equipment and network operating systems must be able to handle both protocols.

"FiOS is a key service that can take advantage of IPv6," said Jean McManus, executive director – packet network technology for Verizon. "We've been working on an IPv6 transition plan for FiOS along with our other residential and enterprise services, and this work involves testing network equipment and making necessary customer premises equipment changes to ensure interoperability and proper operation of equipment. The FiOS trial is a key step toward enabling IPv6 in our core network, on edge routers and on CPE."

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ)