BlogInfrastructure & networking
IPv6 basics for organisations
By Vicky Ogola, Senior ICT Consultant 1 min read
IPv6 is increasingly used by networks and providers. Understand the basics, plan addressing and secure it like IPv4.
IPv4 addresses are scarce; IPv6 provides a vastly larger address space. Many providers and devices already use it.
Why it matters
Mobile networks and many services support IPv6. Devices may already use it on your network, even if you have not configured it deliberately.
Plan addressing
IPv6 uses large subnets. Plan a simple, consistent structure aligned with your VLANs.
Secure it
Firewall rules must cover IPv6 as well as IPv4. An unprotected IPv6 path can bypass IPv4 controls.
Run dual-stack
Most networks run IPv4 and IPv6 side by side during transition.
Train the team
IPv6 notation and concepts differ. Make sure the people managing the network are comfortable with them.
See our network engineering services.
About the author
Vicky Ogola
Senior ICT Consultant
Vicky Ogola writes about network design, connectivity, data centres and the infrastructure that business systems depend on.