Why is NAT Not Needed in IPv6?

NAT and IPv6 are the two most necessary routing methods. IPv6 is used for routing the data traffic across the internet. While the NAT process is used as a medium that represents multiple private IP addresses. NAT is not necessary for the IPv6 routing process. So, why NAT is unnecessary in IPv6? Let’s find out throughout this article;

What is NAT?

Network Address Translation, also known as NAT, is a process to map private addresses to a public address before transmitting data and information. This process enables a unique IP address to represent multiple computers or devices. As you see, IP address numbers could be merged through NAT, it is mainly used for conserving the number of IP addresses.

In this process, a network device assigns a public IP address to represent a private network. The assignation process is conducted by the Firewall in most cases. It allows a large private network to use addresses in a private range. Also, it provides additional security to the private address to hide beneath only one address. Which can make private addresses more protected against malicious attacks. Moreover, data transmission can be controlled through NAT.

How Does NAT work?

As said before, a single device (e.g. router) is allowed by NAT, and works as a medium between the public (internet) and private network. Through this, a single IP address can represent an entire computer network. But it is a complex and rapid process.

While processing a data request through a device, data is sent to a router as a packet and the router passes the data on the web. Before passing the data, the router changes the outgoing IP address from a private local address and then to a public address. Without providing a returning address, it is nearly impossible for the receiving servers to know where to send back the information or data. Here comes the importance of NAT, it allows the data or information back to the device using the public address of the router, and this process is completed without any help of the private address.

What is IPv6?

Introduced in 1998, Internet Protocol version 6 or IPv6 is an internet protocol version that can identify and locate devices worldwide. As you know, the IP address works akin to a ZIP code of a device. There are several versions of the IP, and IPv6 is one of them. IPv4, the near ancestor of IPv6, uses a 32-bit addressing scheme. Instead of 34-bit, the IPv6 uses a 124-bit addressing scheme.

The IPv6 uses hexadecimal digits, which are divided into eight groups of four digits. These groups are separated by the colons. As example; 3678:cc:7000:6c28:433c:cc5e:f6fc:9b5a. For becoming too long, various shortening techniques are employed on the addresses.  Despite a long address, the use of IPv6 is increasing. As per Google statistics; the use of IPv6 has increased to 36 percent from 33 percent only in March 2022.

How Does IPv6 Work?

Like the IPv4, the IPv6 address is split into two parts, the network components, and the node components. For using a 128-bit addressing scheme, every component of it has 64-bit segments. This means both the network component and the node component have 64-bit segments. The upper 64-bit segment is used for routing and networking, while the lower segment is used for identifying the address of the node or interface.

To specify blocks of address space, IPv6 uses the same length/prefix notation, which is also known as CIDR notation. Moreover, it provides security features by encrypting the data packets, which can keep the user away from the MitM or sniffing attacks. It is more effective and secure than IPv4.

Why NAT is Unnecessary in IPv6?

NAT has delayed the adaptation of IPv6. Most corporate machines use the NAT process, which enables them to transmit data packets of the computer system through a private IP address. This process could get complex without NAT. It has presented privately addressed devices to the public internet through the NAT machines like firewalls and routers. Despite that, NAT is not necessary on IPv6. Here is the reason why NAT is not necessary on IPv6;

I. The IPv6 has some integrated security features. Data packets get encrypted automatically. So, NAT is not necessary on IPv6.

II. IPv6 addresses are too long, and for this reason, any host or user can get an IPv6 public network address.

III. The IPv6 header can enhance the packet handling process by the medium router and firewall. Which is the main issue of the NAT process. It cannot enhance the packet handling process.

IV. NAT induced end-to-end connectivity problems, that are reduced magnificently by IPv6. It has solved the connectivity problem, increasing the routes as well as the number of nodes.

The necessity of NAT has decreased for the large and growing number of IPv6 addresses. Also, most of the large business machines and household devices can easily get IPv6 public network addressed. Which have resolved most of the issues experienced in NAT.

What are the Major Drawbacks of IPv6?

Despite resolving the issues of IPV6, it has some drawbacks that may cause issues while using it on a device. Here are the drawbacks of IPv6;

• IPv6 routing system is needed to enable manually. In some device, you have to type the IP address.

• Its module is equipped with an extra space, which makes it difficult to fix the prefixes of most topology drawings.

• The IP assigning process of the IPv6 routing process is done manually, which makes it complicated.

• IPV4 and IPv6 cannot communicate directly. For this, many devices use the IPv4 routing process.

As you are seeing now, IPv6 has some drawbacks that could cause complications, yet it is still the most advanced routing process used on the device worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions  

Does IPv6 Slow Down the Internet?

Yes, in some cases, IPv6 can slow down the internet speed. Especially while transmitting larger packets. Though this issue is very rare, the IT experts suggest not to use IPv6. Also, they hoped that the issue will be sorted out and the internet will get faster after optimizing it.

Should I Disable NAT on My Router?

No, you shouldn’t disable the NAT on your routing system, it could cause issues. Most internet service provider uses NAT, only a few internet service provider supports routing system without NAT. So, you could lose your internet connection, if you disable NAT on your router.

Which is Better, IPv4 or IPv6?

Despite being an older version and closest ancestor of IPv6, the IPv4 is better. Though IPv6 is a far more advanced routing process, still IT experts suggest using IPv4. Because IPv6 has some complications, it could get better than IPv4 after optimization.

Aftermath

At this point, you already know why NAT is not necessary on IPv6. It is recommended by the IT experts to use IPv4 instead of IPv6, because of the complexity of the routing system. Never ever disable the NAT system of your home routing system, it could disconnect you from the internet connection. That’s all for today, have a great day.