IPv6: The Key to the Future of Internet Service Provider Connectivity

The global internet is undergoing an inevitable transition. With the explosion of connected devices from smartphones and IoT to 5G applications, the exhaustion of IPv4 addresses is no longer a distant prediction but a real bottleneck.

Since 2011, the IANA has been warning about the end of IPv4 blocks, and in Brazil, since 2020, there are no more addresses available for allocation. Faced with this, many ISPs turned to CGNAT as a stopgap solution. It works in the short term, but it comes at a high price: loss of end-to-end connectivity, impact on sensitive applications and serious traceability and security challenges.

In this scenario, IPv6 is no longer just a technological alternative. It has become the only viable way to guarantee scalability, stability and competitiveness in the new generation of networks.

Why is IPv6 more than necessary? It’s strategic for your provider!

Adopting IPv6 goes far beyond a technical upgrade: it’s a strategic decision that directly impacts the present and future of your business.

By eliminating the limitations of IPv4, IPv6 unlocks a new level of connectivity, with broad addressing, greater security, lower latency and superior performance. All this with greater network control and scalability.

Providers who have already migrated are reaping the results: more efficient operations, less dependence on palliative solutions such as CGNAT and much more preparedness for technologies such as 5G, IoT, automation and real-time applications.

The end customer also feels the difference with faster browsing, more stable connections and an optimized experience for games, calls, streaming and remote access. IPv6 is not just the future. It’s a competitive advantage now.

How to implement IPv6 safely and efficiently

Migrating to IPv6 doesn’t have to be complex. With the right planning, it happens gradually, safely and without impact on your customers. The key is to understand the real gains, prepare your team and follow a well-defined structure.

See how IPv6 delivers immediate value to your provider – and to the end user.

✅ What are the real gains for your provider?

  • Unlimited public addresses: Put an end to CGNAT. Each client and device can have unique publics.
  • Better performance and lower latency: More efficient routing and reduced latency.
  • More end-to-end security: native IPsec and protection-oriented architecture.
  • Simpler and smarter management: SLAAC allows self-configuration without total dependence on DHCP.
  • Future-proof infrastructure: Full support for 5G, IoT, automation and everything that’s to come.

👤 And for your customers? High experience.

  • End-to-end connectivity: Direct improvement in games, VoIP, streaming and remote access.
  • More stability and fewer failures: No intermediate NATs, less chance of error.
  • Security as standard: Data travels with greater privacy and authentication.
  • Barrier-free compatibility: Ready for new generations of devices and applications.

🛠 How to implement in practice: Simplified step by step

  • Audit your infrastructure: Evaluate switches, routers, CPEs and servers. Find out what already supports IPv6 and what needs to be updated.
  • Request your IPv6 block from LACNIC: Plan addressing based on expected growth. Use IPAM tools to organize.
  • Train your technical team: Train on ICMPv6, SLAAC, Dual Stack, firewall policies and good routing practices.
  • Implement in a controlled environment: Start with Dual Stack in a pilot area. Monitor and adjust based on the results.
  • Configure essential services: Adjust Radius, DNS, CPEs, authentication and applications to operate with IPv6.
  • Scale activation safely: Expand gradually, prioritizing stability. Reduce IPv4 usage with planning

⚠️ Common mistakes that can jeopardize your transition

  • Block ICMPv6 (affects vital protocol functions)
  • Disabling IPv6 due to ignorance
  • Ignoring the software team (the applications also need to be ready)
  • Failing to homologate equipment correctly
  • Implementing without address planning (leads to rework and waste)

The transition has begun and whoever leads now, comes out on top

Migration to IPv6 is no longer a future possibility. It is an ongoing reality and those who adopt it now will reap the benefits before their competitors.

More performance. More security. More scalability. Lower operating costs.

Providers that lead this change deliver more value to their customers, avoid technical bottlenecks and position themselves solidly in the face of the demands of an increasingly connected, automated and demanding market.

With the right support, technical planning and structured execution, your operation can make this transition safely, gradually and efficiently without compromising service quality.

Made4IT can walk with you on this journey.
Talk to our team and find out how we can accelerate your evolution towards a future-proof infrastructure.

Commercial team