What is IPv6? Everything you need to know

Nathan Lawrence - Freelance Contributor

Last updated 01 August 2025

Contents

In this IPv6 guide:

What is IPv6
IPv4 vs. IPv6
IPv6 devices
IPv6 NBN providers

To get online, your devices need an IP address to communicate with the internet. The initial solution was IPv4, which launched in 1983 with an allocation of around 4.3 billion IP addresses. While 4.3 billion is a big number, the catch is that IP addresses are needed for devices, not just people. Today, the IPv4 address allocation is officially exhausted. While CGNAT is an internet provider stopgap, the better solution is IPv6.

Before we get into IPv6, here's a look at popular NBN plans from providers that support IPv6.

#1	Dodo Editor's Pick	Dodo FTTP, HFC Editor's Pick nbn500 Unlimited Plan FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/48 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $30/mth discount for 6 months based on the standard price $92.99/mth. Ends 08.12.26. T&Cs apply. $62.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.99/mth Min. cost $62.99 Go to Site*	$62.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.99/mth Min. cost $62.99	Go to Site
#2	Superloop	Superloop FTTP, HFC Family Max nbn500/50 FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/45 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $21/mth off for 6 mths! $74/mth for 6 mths, then $95/mth + Bundle & Save $74/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth Min. cost $74 Go to Site	$74/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth Min. cost $74	Go to Site
#3	SpinTel	SpinTel FTTP, HFC Home Turbofast 750/50 FTTP, HFC nbn® 750/42 Mbps Unlimited Data WhistleOut Special: Includes $25.95 off your plan for first 6 months! $69/mth for first 6 months, then $94.95/mth. $69/mth for first 6 mths, then $94.95/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69/mth for first 6 mths, then $94.95/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
#4	Exetel	Exetel FTTP, HFC One Plan 500/50 FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/45 Mbps Unlimited Data $80/mth Min. cost $80 Go to Site	$80/mth Min. cost $80	Go to Site
#5	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband FTTP, HFC Fast Fibre - Unlimited FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/44 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20 off for the first 6 months. Promo code SPRING20. $99/mth after promo ends 15.11.26 $79/mth for first 6 months, then $99/mth Min. cost $79 Link not supplied	$79/mth for first 6 months, then $99/mth Min. cost $79	Link not supplied
#6	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet FTTP, HFC Gold Plus Unlimited FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/42 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $16/mth off for 12mths. $69.90/mth for first 12 months then revert back to $85.90/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $69.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $85.90/mth Min. cost $69.90 Go to Site	$69.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $85.90/mth Min. cost $69.90	Go to Site

What is IPv6?

IPv6 is an abbreviation of "Internet Protocol version 6" and is the most recent version of the Internet Protocol. The Internet Protocol dictates the cross-network rules for routing and addressing data. In practical terms, it’s the rules around how data is correctly sent from your home network to any external network on the internet.

While IPv4 offered 4.3 billion IP addresses, IPv6 has 340 undecillion addresses. That's 3.4 x 10 to the power of 38. Yeah, a lot. Practically speaking, IPv6 has so many unique IP addresses that all of the 8+ billion people on Earth could all have billions of trillions of devices each with their own unique IP addresses.

As you can imagine, the main goal of IPv6 was to ensure that there were more than enough IP addresses that the planet should never run out, no matter how many connected devices we all have. But while IPv6 has been around since 1999, not every internet provider in Australia is using it.

IPv4 vs. IPv6

IPv6 isn't all pros, though. Compared to IPv4, IPv6 addresses are harder to remember: compare something like 192.168.0.1 (IPv4) to 2001:dB8:3333:4444:5555:6666:7777:8888 (IPv6). Yes, those are letters in there, too, so IPv6 addresses can also involve uppercase and lowercase letters. Good luck remembering that. Additionally, not every website supports IPv6, and there are potential back-end system problems to consider.

The longer IPv6 addresses can lead to manual input errors. On paper, IPv6 is more secure than IPv4, though it requires proper implementation to achieve that goal. That said, IPv6 is built for online communication, so it does a better job of internet routing. Like IPv4, IPv6 works at its best when it's automated and working behind the scenes. But IPv6 also has cost, compatibility, and training considerations for internet providers to properly implement.

IPv4 and IPv6

Even if an NBN provider supports IPv6, they may be using a "dual-stack" solution, which combines IPv4 and IPv6. In practical terms, dual stack lets internet providers support the IPv4 and IPv6 devices that their customers use.

IPv6 devices

Though not fully implemented, because IPv6 has been around for so long, you shouldn't have to worry about device compatibility. All of the internet-connected devices you use inside and outside the home – smartphones, tablets, TVs, computers, etc. – are prepped to work with an IPv6 address. World IPv6 Launch was on June 6 2012, so any connected gear released after that date should be IPv6 compatible. That's true of routers, modem-routers, and mesh WiFi systems, though an IPv6-ready home doesn't mean you're actually using IPv6.

IPv6 NBN providers

Not every internet provider in Australia uses IPv6. Of the 30 or so NBN providers we track in our database, more than half support IPv6 connections. Note that providers like Belong don't yet support IPv6, but do flag that support is planned. It's not the end of the world if your NBN provider doesn't support IPv6, but they may use CGNAT to share limited public internet IP addresses between multiple users.

CGNAT shouldn't impact most users, but you will encounter issues if you're with a CGNAT provider and want to run your own server or do anything else that requires internet port forwarding.

If your provider uses CGNAT, you can either shift to one that doesn't and/or move to one that offers IPv6. Alternatively, you can potentially pay an extra monthly fee for a static IP address, which is a dedicated internet address that will bypass CGNAT. Here's a list of the NBN providers we track in our comparison engine and whether they offer IPv6 and/or static IP addresses.

NBN providers with and without IPv6

NBN provider	IPv6	Static IP
Aussie Broadband	Yes	$5 p/m
Buddy Telco	Yes	$5 p/m
Dodo	Yes	$5 p/m
Exetel	Yes	$5 p/m
Flip	Yes	$1.98 p/m
Kogan Internet	Yes	No
Mate	Yes	No
Origin Broadband	Yes	$5 p/m
SpinTel	Yes	$5 p/m
Superloop	Yes	$5 p/m
Swoop	Yes	$5.50 p/m
Telstra	Yes	$10 p/m
Vodafone	Yes	No
AGL	No	$7.50 p/m
More	No	$5 p/m
Optus	No	$10 p/m
Southern Phone	No	$7.50 p/m
Tangerine	No	$5 p/m
TPG	No	$5 p/m
iPrimus	Unknown	$5 p/m
Moose NBN	Unknown	$20 p/m
amaysim	No	No
Belong	No	No
iiNet	No	No

If you're looking for a new NBN plan, the list below is from popular providers that support IPv6.

#1	Dodo Editor's Pick	Dodo FTTP, HFC Editor's Pick nbn500 Unlimited Plan FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/48 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $30/mth discount for 6 months based on the standard price $92.99/mth. Ends 08.12.26. T&Cs apply. $62.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.99/mth Min. cost $62.99 Go to Site*	$62.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.99/mth Min. cost $62.99	Go to Site
#2	Superloop	Superloop FTTP, HFC Family Max nbn500/50 FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/45 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $21/mth off for 6 mths! $74/mth for 6 mths, then $95/mth + Bundle & Save $74/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth Min. cost $74 Go to Site	$74/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth Min. cost $74	Go to Site
#3	SpinTel	SpinTel FTTP, HFC Home Turbofast 750/50 FTTP, HFC nbn® 750/42 Mbps Unlimited Data WhistleOut Special: Includes $25.95 off your plan for first 6 months! $69/mth for first 6 months, then $94.95/mth. $69/mth for first 6 mths, then $94.95/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69/mth for first 6 mths, then $94.95/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
#4	Exetel	Exetel FTTP, HFC One Plan 500/50 FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/45 Mbps Unlimited Data $80/mth Min. cost $80 Go to Site	$80/mth Min. cost $80	Go to Site
#5	Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband FTTP, HFC Fast Fibre - Unlimited FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/44 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20 off for the first 6 months. Promo code SPRING20. $99/mth after promo ends 15.11.26 $79/mth for first 6 months, then $99/mth Min. cost $79 Link not supplied	$79/mth for first 6 months, then $99/mth Min. cost $79	Link not supplied
#6	Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet FTTP, HFC Gold Plus Unlimited FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/42 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $16/mth off for 12mths. $69.90/mth for first 12 months then revert back to $85.90/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $69.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $85.90/mth Min. cost $69.90 Go to Site	$69.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $85.90/mth Min. cost $69.90	Go to Site
#7	Flip	Flip FTTP, HFC Unlimited Fast Speed nbn500 FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/42 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $19.90/mth off for 6 months - $69/mth for first 6mths then $88.90/mth. New customers only. Ends 31.10.26. T&Cs apply. $69/mth for first 6 mths then $88.90/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69/mth for first 6 mths then $88.90/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
#8	Vodafone	Vodafone All Fixed Line nbn® Essential+ nbn® All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Save $10/mth when you bundle with a mobile plan with Vodafone. T&Cs apply. $94/mth Min. cost $94 Link not supplied	$94/mth Min. cost $94	Link not supplied
#9	Origin Broadband	Origin Broadband FTTN, FTTB, FTTC Enthusiast nbn® 100 FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 95/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $30/mth off for 6 mths, $84/mth for 6 mths, then reverts to $114/mth + 2,500 Everyday Rewards Points + More! $84/mth for 6 mths, then $114/mth Min. cost $84 Link not supplied	$84/mth for 6 mths, then $114/mth Min. cost $84	Link not supplied
#10	Swoop	Swoop All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® Home Everyday All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $15/mth off for 6 months, $69/mth for first 6 months then $84/mth + Get the eero 7 for only $175 (normally $249) $69/mth for first 6 mths, then $84/mth Min. cost $69 Link not supplied	$69/mth for first 6 mths, then $84/mth Min. cost $69	Link not supplied

And if you don't care about IPv6 but do want the option of a static IP address, the plans below are from providers that don't support IPv6 (or haven't disclosed whether they do) but do offer a static IP for an additional monthly fee.

#1	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom FTTP, HFC Speedy Max NBN 500/50 FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/42.5 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $33/mth off for the first 6 mths, $59.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.90/mth. Ends 30.10.26 $59.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.90/mth Min. cost $59.90 Go to Site	$59.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.90/mth Min. cost $59.90	Go to Site
#2	TPG	TPG FTTP, HFC nbn Home Fast Unlimited Plan FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/42 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Save $240 over 12mths! $74.99/mth for first 12 months, then $94.99/mth. Min cost $84.99 if modem returned. T&Cs apply $74.99/mth for first 12 mths, then $94.99/mth Min. cost $74.99 Link not supplied	$74.99/mth for first 12 mths, then $94.99/mth Min. cost $74.99	Link not supplied
#3	Moose NBN	Moose NBN All Fixed Line nbn® nbn 50/20 Premium All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $24/mth off for first 6 months - $59.80/mth for 6mths, then $83.80/mth + Get eero 7 modem for only $175 (RRP $249). $59.80/mth for first 6 mths, then $83.80/mth Min. cost $59.80 Link not supplied	$59.80/mth for first 6 mths, then $83.80/mth Min. cost $59.80	Link not supplied
#4	Optus	Optus All Fixed Line nbn® Optus Everyday nbn® All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $82/mth for a year, then $97/mth or as notified. New services. Incl intro offer + extra $5/mth off. Min cost $388. Ends 6/10. $82/mth for first 12 months, then $97/mth or as notified Min. cost $82 Link not supplied	$82/mth for first 12 months, then $97/mth or as notified Min. cost $82	Link not supplied
#5	More	More All Fixed Line nbn® Value Plus NBN All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $75/mth for 36 months, then $90/mth ongoing for CommBank customers who sign up using a CommBank credit or debit card $100/mth Min. cost $100 Link not supplied	$100/mth Min. cost $100	Link not supplied
#6	iPrimus	iPrimus FTTP, HFC Premium Plus Plan FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/47 Mbps Unlimited Data $100/mth Min. cost $100 Link not supplied	$100/mth Min. cost $100	Link not supplied
#7	AGL	AGL All Fixed Line nbn® Home Standard nbn All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 47/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: AGL Bundle Offer - $88/mth when you BYO modem and have AGL energy. $103/mth Min. cost $103 Link not supplied	$103/mth Min. cost $103	Link not supplied

Nathan Lawrence

Freelance Contributor

Nathan Lawrence is a freelance writer with over 11 years of experience. He has contributed to publications including WhistleOut Australia, Review.org/au, IGN, STACK, Fandom, Red Bull, and AusGamers. Nathan specialises in researching, writing, and editing content around technology, telecommunications, and gaming.

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