Requesting IP addresses from carriers in IPv6 differs from IPv4 due to several structural and allocation policy factors.

We explain some important details to consider:

1. Differences in Allocation Policies:
   • IPv4: Because IPv4 addresses are scarce, allocation policies are generally stricter, and carriers may require detailed justifications of planned use for addresses before assigning them. Additionally, IPv4 addresses can have a significant cost in the market due to their scarcity.
   • IPv6: On the other hand, IPv6 was designed to have an almost unlimited number of addresses. This has led to more flexible allocation policies. Carriers usually assign blocks of IPv6 addresses without the need for such extensive justifications as in IPv4.
2. Application Process:
   • For IPv6, ISPs and carriers are generally willing to allocate larger blocks of addresses without a commensurate increase in cost. This is due to the abundance of addresses available.
   • The request may include justification for the need for the allocated block size, but this justification is usually less rigorous than in IPv4.
3. Costs:
   • IPv4: The cost of IPv4 addresses can be high, especially for large blocks or in regions where shortages are more critical.
   • IPv6: In contrast, the cost of IPv6 addresses is generally lower, given the abundance of addresses available. This can lead to lower operational costs in terms of acquiring IP addresses.
4. Technical Considerations:
   • When requesting IPv6 addresses, it is important to also consider compatibility with existing equipment and systems. Make sure your network infrastructure is prepared to support IPv6, which may include hardware or software upgrades.

In summary, while the IP address request process may appear superficially similar between IPv4 and IPv6, the underlying policies, required justifications, and associated costs can vary significantly.

This is mainly due to the abundance of addresses in IPv6 compared to the scarcity in IPv4.