Deploying IPv6 on a local network when your Internet Service Provider (ISP) infrastructure does not yet support IPv6 may seem challenging, but there are several strategies you can employ to get started with IPv6 and future-proof your network.

Some of the main techniques are described below:

1. IPv6 tunnels

One of the most common ways to implement IPv6 over an infrastructure that only supports IPv4 is through the use of tunnels. This involves encapsulating IPv6 packets within IPv4 packets so that they can be sent over IPv4 networks. There are several types of tunnels, but the most common are:

• 6to4: Automatically assigns an IPv6 address to users based on their IPv4 address. It is useful for communication between sites with IPv6 support over an IPv4 infrastructure.
• Teredo: Specifies a method of encapsulating IPv6 packets within IPv4 packets with the ability to traverse network address translation (NAT) devices.
• Manually Configured Tunnels: Specific tunnels can be established between two endpoints that support IPv6, requiring manual configuration but offering control over performance and security.

2. Network Address Translation (NAT) Protocol for IPv6

NAT64 is a technique that allows communication between IPv6 networks and services that only have IPv4 addresses. This is done by translating the IPv6 addresses of the packets to IPv4 addresses and vice versa. This is a useful temporary solution until your ISP offers native support for IPv6.

3. IPv6 Edge Proxy

Deploying an IPv6-enabled edge proxy at the edge of your network can allow devices inside your network to communicate with the outside using IPv6. The proxy can handle translation between IPv6 and IPv4 if necessary, or simply serve as a pass-through point for IPv6 traffic if you are using tunnels.

4. Ask your ISP for IPv6 support

Although it may seem obvious, one of the most direct actions you can take is to request IPv6 support from your ISP. As more customers demand IPv6, more ISPs can prioritize its implementation. Additionally, some ISPs may already be in the process of implementing it and may offer you access to trial or pilot options.

5. Use of VPNs that Support IPv6

Some VPNs already support IPv6. By configuring a VPN that supports IPv6, you can encapsulate IPv6 traffic within the VPN traffic, allowing the use of IPv6 even if your ISP does not support it directly.

Conclusion

Adopting IPv6 is an important step toward modernizing and future-proofing your network. Even if your ISP doesn't support IPv6 directly, the techniques mentioned above can help you get started with IPv6 and gain experience with the protocol while you wait for native support from your ISP.

It is important to research and evaluate which option best suits your specific needs and network environment.