Yes, you can use a tunnel to start IPv6 testing in MikroTik if your network currently operates primarily on IPv4 and does not yet have native IPv6 access.

Using a tunnel is an effective way to connect your network to IPv6 without requiring your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to offer direct support for IPv6.

We explain how you can configure and use an IPv6 tunnel on a MikroTik device.

Types of IPv6 Tunnels

1. 6to4 Tunnel: This method creates an automatic tunnel between two points using an IPv6 over IPv4 encapsulation protocol. A public 6to4 hotspot or 6to4 relay server is used to facilitate communication.
2. 6in4 tunnel: This is a static tunnel that encapsulates IPv6 traffic in IPv4 packets, allowing traffic between two endpoints with specific IPv6 addresses. Requires both ends of the tunnel to know each other's IP addresses.
3. IPsec tunnel in tunnel mode: This configuration allows a secure tunnel between two points, encapsulating IPv6 within IPv4 using IPsec for security.

Setting up a 6in4 Tunnel in MikroTik

Below is an example of how to configure a 6in4 tunnel in MikroTik, which is commonly used for IPv6 testing:

1. Router Access: Connect to your MikroTik router using WinBox or SSH.
2. Tunnel Configuration:
   • Navigate to Interfaces and select “Add New” to create a new tunnel interface.
   • Choose 6in4 as the tunnel type.
3. Parameter Specification:
   • Set the local address (your current IPv4 address).
   • Configures the remote address (the IPv4 address of the tunnel termination point).
   • Set the IPv6 gateway addresses for your network.
4. IPv6 Route Configuration:
   • Adds an IPv6 default route to send all IPv6 traffic through the tunnel.
5. Test and Verification:
   • Use tools like ping6 to test IPv6 connectivity through the tunnel.
   • Monitors traffic to ensure the tunnel is working properly.

Considerations

• Latency and Speed: Tunnels can increase latency and reduce connection speed since traffic must be encapsulated and decapsulated.
• Security: Make sure tunnels are configured with appropriate security, especially if you use IPsec.
• Third Party Dependency: If you use a 6to4 relay server, your traffic will depend on that third party.

Using a tunnel to test IPv6 in MikroTik is a great way to get familiar with IPv6 and prepare your network for a future transition to IPv6. Be sure to monitor tunnel performance and adjust settings as necessary to optimize your users' experience.