IPv6 has practical applications for ICANN and DNS operations, too. The transition to IPv6 will be discussed at ICANN's meeting next week, and it is also being considered by ICANN's special study group on stability issues along with DNSSEC and new gTLDs.

VeriSign, for example, already has upgraded its root, .com and .net servers to be able to handle IPv6 queries. "VeriSign's constellation is fully capable of handling IPv6 queries," company officials said in a statement this week.

5. Spectrum for First Responders

A final issue for the new Commerce Secretary and NTIA chief is setting aside wireless spectrum for first responders across government agencies.

"NTIA needs to make sure that government agencies have access to the spectrum they need to perform critical functions," Kneuer says. "NTIA needs to make sure that this is done efficiently and effectively so spectrum is available to all those who need it."