We can do it but we could only test that IPv6 addressing for internal communication tests, we could not test Internet access via IPv6.

You can configure your internal network with IPv6, even if your Internet Service Provider (ISP) only assigns you IPv4 addresses.

We give you some reasons why you might want to do it:

1. Preparation for the Future

• IPv4 shortage: IPv4 addresses are practically exhausted in many parts of the world, making IPv6 not only an option, but a long-term necessity. By configuring your internal network to use IPv6, you are preparing for the future and ensuring that your infrastructure can handle seamless transitions when your ISP offers IPv6.
• Compatibility: As more services and devices support IPv6, having an internal network that already uses IPv6 can simplify network management and improve compatibility with new devices and software.

2. Best Practices and Advanced Features

• Enhanced Security: IPv6 includes security features designed as an integral part of the protocol, such as IPsec, which is mandatory, offering more robust authentication and privacy.
• Better Traffic Management: IPv6 was designed to handle packets more efficiently, reducing the load on routers and improving network performance.
• Address Autoconfiguration: IPv6 has an improved address autoconfiguration (SLAAC) mechanism, which eliminates the need for a DHCP server in many scenarios.

3. Network Scalability and Management

• Address Space: IPv6 provides a vast address space, allowing more devices on the network, without the need for techniques such as NAT (Network Address Translation) that are used in IPv4 to extend the number of available addresses.
• Network Simplification: IPv6 can help simplify network structure by eliminating the need for NAT and allowing a true end-to-end connection.

4. Dual-Stack Implementation

• Dual Stack: While you wait for your ISP to support IPv6, you can operate a dual stack network, where devices handle both IPv4 and IPv6. This allows you to take advantage of the benefits of IPv6 internally while maintaining external connectivity with IPv4.

5. Development and Testing

• Innovation: If you develop applications or services that will use the Internet, having IPv6 on your internal network allows you to test these applications in a real IPv6 environment, ensuring that they are ready for the future.

In conclusion, configuring your internal network with IPv6 is a prudent strategy that is not only justified by the need for modernization and compatibility with future technological developments, but also by the immediate improvements in terms of security, network management and operational efficiency.

Even if your ISP doesn't yet offer IPv6, being prepared internally can offer significant advantages.