IPv6only

ipv6only refers to a network configuration that exclusively uses the ipv6 protocol without any ipv4 support. this approach has gained importance as the internet transitions from the aging ipv4 protocol, which is facing address exhaustion, to the more modern ipv6 standard.

in an ipv6only environment, all network communication occurs solely over ipv6 addresses, eliminating the need for ipv4 compatibility mechanisms like nat or dual-stack configurations. this simplifies network architecture and reduces potential security vulnerabilities associated with ipv4 workarounds.

many modern operating systems and network devices now offer ipv6only as a default option, particularly in new deployments. major cloud providers and internet service providers have been increasingly adopting ipv6only to drive the transition forward in the internet ecosystem.

while ipv6only offers significant advantages in terms of address space and efficiency, it requires careful planning to ensure compatibility with legacy systems and services that still rely on ipv4. organizations transitioning to ipv6only must implement appropriate translation mechanisms or alternative solutions to maintain connectivity with ipv4-only resources.