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IPv4 vs IPv6: What UK Businesses Need to Know
Every device communicating over the internet needs an IP address. For decades, most networks have relied on IPv4. IPv6 was created to provide a much larger address space and support the internet’s continued growth.
For UK businesses, the practical question is not whether one protocol is “better”, but how to support customers, applications and services during a long period in which both remain in use.
What is IPv4?
IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses, commonly written as four numbers separated by dots. Its address space is limited, so providers and organisations use techniques such as private addressing and Network Address Translation to conserve public addresses.
What is IPv6?
IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses, creating a vastly larger pool. Addresses are written in hexadecimal groups separated by colons. IPv6 also supports modern network design without depending on address sharing in the same way as IPv4.
Why does IPv6 matter to businesses?
Long-term address availability
The growth of cloud services, connected devices and digital platforms continues to increase demand for addresses. IPv6 gives organisations room to design and scale networks without relying solely on scarce IPv4 space.
Customer and partner reachability
As more networks enable IPv6, websites and online services should be reachable over both protocols. Dual-stack operation allows systems to use IPv4 and IPv6 in parallel.
Cleaner network design
IPv6 can reduce the need for some forms of address translation. However, it still requires careful routing, firewalling, monitoring and operational controls.
What is CGNAT?
Carrier-grade Network Address Translation allows multiple customers to share public IPv4 addresses. It conserves address space but can complicate inbound connections, some VPNs, gaming, hosting and troubleshooting.
Exascale states that its broadband service does not use CGNAT. Customers also receive IPv6 connectivity, while a static IPv4 address is available for £3 per month. Review the current broadband pricing and options before ordering.
Do you need a static IP address?
A static IP remains unchanged and can be useful for allow-listing, remote-access gateways, hosted services and monitoring. It is not automatically required for every business. Cloud applications, outbound-only services and provider-managed VPNs may work without one.
Before ordering, list the applications that require inbound access or source-address allow-listing. This helps determine whether you need static IPv4, IPv6 addressing or both.
How should a business prepare for IPv6?
- Audit services and equipment. Identify routers, firewalls, switches, servers, monitoring platforms and applications that support IPv6.
- Define an addressing plan. Allocate addresses consistently and document subnets, gateways and responsibilities.
- Review security policies. Apply firewall rules, logging and vulnerability management to IPv6 as well as IPv4.
- Test DNS and applications. Confirm that services published with IPv6 records are genuinely reachable and monitored.
- Train support teams. Troubleshooting tools and escalation processes need to cover both protocols.
- Deploy in stages. Start with a controlled service or site, measure results and expand when operational processes are ready.
Common IPv6 misconceptions
“IPv6 automatically makes a network secure”
It does not. Security depends on correct design, filtering, patching, monitoring and access control.
“Enabling IPv6 means switching off IPv4”
Most organisations begin with dual stack, allowing both protocols while applications and partners transition at different rates.
“Nobody uses IPv6 yet”
IPv6 is already used across access networks, cloud platforms and content services. Businesses should understand their current exposure even if deployment is not immediate.
Frequently asked questions
Can IPv4 and IPv6 work together?
Yes. Dual-stack networks run both protocols and select the appropriate path for each destination.
Will IPv6 replace IPv4?
IPv6 is the long-term expansion path, but IPv4 remains widely used. The transition is gradual.
Does IPv6 remove the need for a firewall?
No. IPv6 traffic must be protected, monitored and managed just like IPv4 traffic.
Plan for both protocols
A practical strategy supports today’s IPv4 requirements while preparing systems and teams for broader IPv6 adoption. Exascale can help organisations review connectivity as part of a wider business network solution.