Whether you play single-player games or enjoy multiplayer gaming with friends, you’ll likely have access to some of the same games. Most mainstream gaming platforms support IPv4, which has continued to be the default protocol for over a decade.
However, IPv6 is quickly becoming the new standard. Furthermore, IPv6 is critical for most businesses today because it provides a stable address space and improved end-to-end security over the older version. Read on to get more information on IPv6 in the gaming world.
What Are IPv6 Proxies?
IPv6 Proxies are special-purpose IPv6 addresses assigned to a specific device or host. IPv6 Proxies translate IPv6 packets from one network interface to another or provide an IPv6 address for a device that doesn’t have an IPv6 address.
IPv6 proxies intercept and modify packets before they reach their destination to improve the performance of IPv6 traffic. They are used to change the transport layer protocol or the destination address, making them a vital tool for network optimization.
IPV4 to IPV6 Transition Guide
There’s a good chance you will encounter IPv6 without realizing it. Therefore, it’s essential to prepare for the change by familiarizing yourself with the related terminology.
- IPv4: Internet Protocol version 4
- IPv6: Internet Protocol version 6
- End-to-End Encryption – End-to-end encryption ensures secure data between you and your service providers. It prevents your information from intercepting, reading, or changing in transit.
- End-to-End encryption in IPv6 – For example, when you browse websites or send emails, your data is often sent in plain text format. Encrypting the data before it leaves your computer or device prevents anyone else from reading it.
- Transitioning to IPv6 – The transition from IPv4 to IPv6 is the process by which IT administrators replace deprecated devices with IPv6 supporting equipment. The transition process is usually gradual.
Using IPv6 With Your Gaming Server
The first thing to note is that you don’t need to change your current DNS settings to implement IPv6. However, you might need to assign specific IPv6 addresses and re-register them depending on what you’re hosting. On Windows, you can accomplish this via the terminal command:
ipconfig /registerdns
For Linux, the equivalent comment is:
dhclient -N -6
Most admins generally prefer IPv6 for online gaming due to its robustness and added security.
If you’ve already configured IPv4 and DNS on your gaming server, you can begin testing IPv6 connectivity and performance with a VPN before making any significant changes. Although most modern routers can easily handle the shift to IPv6, verifying compatibility allows you to plan for the transition.
Using a VPN With IPv6
Suppose you’re hosting a multiplayer game or running a public gaming server. You can use a virtual private network (VPN) to test IPv6 connectivity and provide a stable connection for client devices. You can also use a VPN to bypass geographic or language restrictions on certain websites.
Tips for Optimizing Your IPv6 Gaming Network
As new devices such as smartphones, smart TVs, and gaming consoles support IPv6, you’ll want to ensure you’re ready for the change. Here are a few tips for seamless IPv6 adoption.
- Change your router’s settings – A simple change in your router settings can significantly improve IPv6 connectivity. Make sure your router uses both an IPv4 and IPv6 address.
- Disable IPv4 NAT if possible – There are some situations where IPv4 NAT won’t play nice with IPv6 on regular consumer-grade routers without extensive configuration.
- Test your IPv6 connectivity – Once you’ve set up IPv6, test your connectivity status before proceeding. The last thing you’d want is connection troubles after full deployment.
- Keep an eye on your network traffic – While testing your IPv6 connectivity, keep an eye on your network traffic and ensure no unexpected issues arise.
Final Words
The need for stable, large address spaces increases as Internet traffic grows. With the transition to IPv6, businesses can connect to devices and services with a new, much larger address space. There are many advantages to moving to IPv6, such as improved security and more stable routing. While IPv4 will likely be with us for some time, you’ll want to make the switch when it’s time. With some planning, you can make the transition to IPv6 seamless.
If you run your gaming server or online host games for others, ensure you take advantage of IPv6 networking so your users can enjoy lag-free gameplay and get that competitive edge they need!