14 DAY TRIAL // Google is among the large websites flipping on the switch for IPv6 and has been one of the big supporters for a while now. It's no surprise, Google employs Vint Cerf as its Chief Internet Evangelist.
It’s the same Vint Cerf that invented the TCP/IP stack that would serve as the basis for the internet and most networking since and one of the creators of both the initial IPv4 and the newer IPv6.
Most Google sites have been working over IPv6 for a while now, but at separate domains. Starting today, Google sites will connect via IPv6 as well as IPv4. This is what is called a dual stack, as both protocols will work in parallel and the appropriate one will be chosen for the clients.
"We’re proud to be one of the founding participants; virtually all Google’s services have been available over IPv6 for a while, but IPv6 access was only available to networks participating in the 'Google over IPv6' program. From now on, they will be made available to any IPv6 network on the Internet," Vint Cerf wrote.
The problem with having a dual stack is that some networking hardware can't handle them both at the same time and gets "confused" making impossible for some users to reach these sites.
Unfortunately, a year after World IPv6 Day, there are still ISPs with problems. Google maintains a list of IP addresses that can't connect to its servers due to these configuration errors.
"Complete transition will take time. Some users may need to upgrade their home routers or possibly download updated operating system software to enable IPv6 in parallel with IPv4. If you're interested in when you'll get IPv6 connectivity (if you don’t have it already), we encourage you to reach out to your ISP and ask," he added.
