If you have been following along with our Build your own Homelab series, you might have run into a few issues when setting up your NGINX or your local DNS Server. Chances might be that the culprit is that .local domains don’t seem to work, but even if you have followed the ways to get around it, some devices might still have issues connecting to your local domain addresses. If you look at your DNS dashboard and find that some devices don’t seem to be using your DNS although it is set up correctly, you are not going mad. There is another culprit: IPv6.
Understanding IPv4 vs. IPv6: A Simple Explanation
If you’ve ever set up a home internet connection, you’ve probably heard of “IP addresses.” These are like digital street addresses that help devices communicate over the internet. Traditionally, most networks have used IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4), which has been around since the early days of the internet. However, there’s a new player in town: IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6).
IPv4: The Older Standard
IPv4 uses a system of numerical addresses, such as 192.168.1.1. The problem? There are only about 4.3 billion possible IPv4 addresses, and we’ve run out of them due to the massive number of internet-connected devices.
IPv6: The Next Generation
IPv6 was created to solve this issue by providing an almost unlimited number of addresses. It looks quite different from IPv4; an example IPv6 address is 2001:db8::ff00:42:8329. This longer format ensures that every device can have a unique address, reducing the need for workarounds like NAT (Network Address Translation), which many home networks use with IPv4.
Why You Might Want to Enable IPv6 on Your Home Network
With IPv6 becoming more widely adopted, you may wonder if you should enable it on your home network. Here are some reasons why you might consider it:
- Future-proofing: IPv6 is the future of the internet, and more services are shifting to use it. Enabling it now ensures your network is ready.
- Better performance in some cases: Some websites and online services run more efficiently on IPv6, reducing lag and improving connection speed.
- Simplified network configuration: With IPv6, devices can auto-configure their own addresses without needing a router’s help (like DHCP in IPv4).
- More direct connections: IPv6 eliminates the need for NAT, allowing for better peer-to-peer connections for gaming, remote access, and other applications.
Considerations When Running IPv6 on Your Home Network
While IPv6 has its advantages, there are some things to keep in mind before switching over:
Compatibility Issues
- Some devices don’t support IPv6. If your router, smart home devices, or older computers don’t support IPv6, enabling it may cause connectivity issues.
- Certain services may not work properly. Some online services, VPNs, or legacy applications may not function correctly if they are designed for IPv4.
Security Concerns
- Firewalls and security settings need adjustment. Many home routers are built with IPv4 security in mind. Enabling IPv6 may require additional firewall configuration to ensure devices remain protected.
- Publicly routable addresses. Unlike IPv4 (which often hides home devices behind NAT), IPv6 gives each device a unique, globally reachable address, which could be a security risk if not managed properly.
Local DNS Server Considerations
If you run a local DNS server (such as Pi-hole, Unbound, or an our case, Technitium), enabling IPv6 can introduce new challenges:
- Dual-stack complexity: Running both IPv4 and IPv6 together (dual-stack mode) may require you to configure DNS for both versions.
- IPv6 addresses can change frequently: Unlike IPv4 addresses, which often stay the same, some ISPs assign dynamic IPv6 prefixes that can change, causing DNS resolution problems.
- Proper configuration is necessary: You may need to tweak settings to ensure your local devices correctly resolve IPv6 addresses and don’t prioritize slower connections.
Pros and Cons of Running IPv6 on Your Home Network
Pros:
✅ Future-proof your network for modern internet standards
✅ More available IP addresses, reducing the need for NAT
✅ Potential performance improvements for certain websites and services
✅ Auto-configuration of addresses simplifies network setup
✅ Improved peer-to-peer connectivity for applications like gaming and video calls
Cons:
❌ Some older devices and applications may not support IPv6
❌ Requires proper firewall configuration to maintain security
❌ If your ISP does not support IPv6, you may need workarounds
❌ Potential DNS and routing complications in dual-stack mode
❌ Managing dynamic IPv6 addresses can be tricky for local servers
Conclusion: Should You Enable IPv6 at Home?
IPv6 is an important step forward for the internet, and enabling it on your home network can provide benefits such as better connectivity, easier address management, and future-proofing. However, it also introduces some challenges, particularly if you have older devices, a local DNS server, or require specific firewall configurations.
If you encounter issues with your home DNS server, the easiest would be to disable IPv6 on your home network. The hit you will be taking is not nearly as painful as the effort to get your home DNS to work.
Ultimately, IPv6 is the future—but making sure your home network is ready for it will ensure a smoother transition. However, the future is still in the future. Hopefully your local DNS is working again!
