Great question. The short answer is Yes – Starlink supports IPv6.
Starlink is fully dual stack when it comes to IPv4 and IPv6 addressing. It is IPv6 capable and supports native IPv6 connectivity across all its routers, kit versions, and service plans. This includes the allocation of a /56 IPv6 prefix via DHCPv6 Prefix Delegation (DHCPv6-PD), allowing for robust IPv6 networking within your local area network (LAN) .Starlink Business & Enterprise Guide+2Starlink+2Netduma Forum+2
Key Details on Starlink’s IPv6 Support:
- IPv6 Allocation: Starlink assigns a /56 IPv6 prefix to customers, enabling the creation of multiple subnets within your network. This is particularly beneficial for segmenting traffic or organizing devices logically .
- Router Compatibility: While Starlink’s Gen 2 and Gen 3 routers support IPv6, the Gen 1 router lacks this capability. For advanced configurations, especially those requiring custom firewall rules or port forwarding, using a third-party router is advisable .RedditReddit+2Starlink+2StarlinkSpot+2
- Inbound Traffic Considerations: By default, Starlink’s routers block incoming IPv6 connections and do not offer options to modify firewall settings. To allow inbound IPv6 traffic, you’ll need to use your own router configured appropriately .Reddit
- Third-Party Router Support: Routers running pfSense, OPNsense, and certain models from MikroTik and Ubiquiti have been reported to work well with Starlink’s IPv6, provided they are correctly configured to handle DHCPv6-PD and Router Advertisements (RA) .Starlink+3Reddit+3MikroTik Forum+3
- Technical Considerations: Some users have noted that maintaining the IPv6 prefix lease may require periodic router solicitations. For instance, on OpenWrt-based systems, tools like
rdisc6from thendisc6package can be used to send these solicitations at regular intervals .GL.iNet
Starlink’s implementation of IPv6 is robust and aligns with modern networking standards, offering significant benefits such as expanded address space and improved network segmentation. However, at the time of publishing this post, to fully leverage IPv6 capabilities, especially for incoming connections or advanced network configurations, employing a third-party router with proper IPv6 support is recommended.
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