Have you ever considered how Starlink IPv6 may influence how you access the internet?
It may not be thought-worthy if your internet uses are limited to browsing and streaming content.
But for online gaming enthusiasts, having a shareable IP address matters big time.
Unfortunately, Starlink’s CGNAT (Carrier Grade Network Address Translation) IPv4 addresses curtail the shareability, making it impossible to game online.
But there’s hope that the issue will solved soon, with the company having recently piloted a beta trial of the system in some zones.
Stay with us to learn more about the basics of Starlink IPv6.
Does Starlink Support IPv6?
Starlink does not have IPv6 support. Instead, it uses IPv4 addresses for Roam and Residential package subscribers.
So what is IPv4? It is a 32-bit internet protocol where different users share an address. It makes it hard for the users to have shareable private addresses.
IPv4 address allocation came due to the scarcity of IP addresses requiring many subscribers to share one.
It aligns with CGNAT’s IP allocation policy, whereby users are assigned one IP address.
Whenever subscribers access the internet, they are assigned a dynamic address, making sharing impossible as it is subject to change.
Among the upsides of this system is that it is secure. Nonetheless, it prevents users, especially online gamers needing a private address, from sharing it.
Starlink has since tried to solve this issue by launching a beta trial, although it is still under development.
The Advantages of Starlink’s IPv6 Support
IPv4 vs IPv6
What would Starlink IPv6 mean for the ISP’s subscribers? The system ensures a more extensive pool of IP addresses for users, making it possible to have private addresses. Other advantages of full transformation to IPv6 include the following:
- It would boost the encryption and authentication process of addresses by limiting the number of fake addresses. The issue (fake addresses) is quite prevalent with an IPv4 allocation system.
- The shareability of IP addresses makes setting up a peer-to-peer connection possible. The system guarantees a routable public address for each user, which is crucial in the inter-device connection. Also, the provision would allow Starlink subscribers to connect from any location.
- It would further improve the security protocol, thus ensuring better safety during data transmission. It is essential as it guarantees your browsing is secure irrespective of the type of devices on the network.
How Do I Setup My Starlink Protocol To IPv6?
IPv6 on a virtual screen
The finite 3.7 billion IPv4 addresses will soon be exhausted as they are shared between Starlink and other ISPs.
The additional benefits highlighted above make switching to IPv6 the best thing to do.
What is necessary to use IPv6 on Starlink internet?
- First, your device’s operating system should be IPv6 compatible. Luckily, most modern PCs and smartphones are compatible with IPv4 and IPv6 systems.
- Your router must also be IPv6-compatible, which means investing in an advanced model, as most lack this functionality.
- Lastly, the ISP must have IPv6 support. The good news for Starlink is that the ISP is trialing beta IPv6 for some areas.
If you reside in an area where Starlink has rolled out the IPv6 beta, it is possible to set up the system.
But you cannot do this from the conventional Starlink router as it doesn’t allow it. You will require an aftermarket router that supports it.
IPv6 Setup for Starlink
IPv6 Enabled-Routers.
You will require the following components:
- A Starlink Ethernet Adapter (Available from the official Starlink store).
- An IPv6-enabled aftermarket router.
Here’s the procedure:
- First, set up your aftermarket router to replace the Starlink router via the ethernet adapter. Connect the adapter to Dishy and the other end to the aftermarket route to achieve this.
- Next, enable the bypass mode on the Starlink app. You will find this setting on Starlink’s ‘Settings’ button.
Starlink IPv6 Setup for Different Router Models
A Modern Router Model.
Check out the IPv6 setup procedure for the various router models:
ASUS
Arguably one of the most router brands, setting it up is also easy.
- Log in to the router’s web portal and click ‘Advanced Settings.’
- Click ‘IPv6’, and when prompted to select the network type, choose ‘Native.’
- Your router is now IPv6 enabled and ready to pair with your Starlink internet.
Netgear
Setting up Netgear internet is also a breeze.
- Launch its web portal, log in with your credentials, then select ‘Advanced Settings.’
- Next, click ‘Advanced Setup,’ select ‘IPv6 tunnel’, and apply the settings.
Ubiquiti
Lastly, below are the steps to set your Ubiquiti router to IPv6 settings:
- Launch the router’s web portal to log in, then select ‘Settings.’
- On the Internet menu, select ‘WAN,’ then IPV6 and ‘Using DHCPv6.’ DHCPv6 means Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol version 6.
- Finally, key in 56’ when prompted to enter the ‘prefix delegation size.’
Starlink IPv6 for Online Gaming
Online Gaming.
If Starlink fully uses the IPv6 addresses system, online gaming will improve for Starlink users.
Most online gaming firms, such as Xbox Live, require IPv6 for address sharing, which is handy for playing with players in different locations.
The IPv4 uses CGNAT, a technology responsible for increasing the internet lag. But with IPv6, the lag is significantly diminished as it directly connects the router to the gaming device.
Hence, in a nutshell, the IPv6 rollout will be a significant win for gamers as it’ll boost the overall user experience. In addition, it will significantly reduce the Starlink router power use.
IPv4 vs IPv6: Which is Faster?
Internet Speed Boosting Option.
IPv4 is relatively slower than IPv6 address systems primarily because the latter has a better network processing duration.
Transmission via IPv6 involves router selection for data packet movements, meaning an extended signal path exists.
However, the IPv6 transmission is faster as it involves node-to-node signal transmission.
It is a better internet protocol, especially for those requiring less latency, such as online gamers and traders. It ensures less lag and higher traffic transmission.
Conclusion
Starlink current infrastructure is reliant on the shared IPv4 address system.
Nonetheless, this has been to the network’s disadvantage as the protocol doesn’t allow some functions like IP address sharing.
Also, the system means there’s a relatively high latency with the IPv4 system and network traffic limitation.
If you’re in the allowed Starlink IPv6 areas, buy an enabled aftermarket router and ethernet adapter and set up IPv6. It will be worth the experience.