To answer this, let's remember that NAT is a routing technique that has allowed computer systems to share a single IP address, thus extending the useful life of IPv4. However, with the advent of IPv6, which offers a virtually unlimited number of IP addresses, some might question the relevance of NAT.

On the other hand, NAT offers more than just expansion of IP addresses. It also provides an additional layer of security by hiding internal IP addresses.

Could its security function then be a key factor in its continued relevance? That's a possibility. However, IPv6 also incorporates intrinsic security features, such as IPsec, which could offset the security feature of NAT.

IPv6 adoption

Although IPv6 promises an ocean of IP addresses, its adoption has been relatively slow. Therefore, until IPv6 is fully implemented, NAT will continue to be relevant, given its ability to preserve IPv4 addresses.

The existence of transition and coexistence mechanisms between IPv4 and IPv6, such as Dual Stack y NAT64, indicate that NAT will continue to be useful, at least in the short and medium term.

Will NAT disappear?

But even after full implementation of IPv6, NAT may not go away completely. It could evolve and remain useful in particular scenarios, such as internal corporate networks, where assigning a unique IP address to each device may not be necessary or desired.

The shift to IPv6 depends not only on the availability of IP addresses, but also on the ability of Internet service providers, businesses and users to change their infrastructure and adapt to the new technology. This reality could mean that NAT will remain relevant for longer than many expect.

Dual Stack y NAT64 are two techniques used to facilitate the transition from IPv4 to IPv6 on the Internet network. Although both techniques have the same general goal, they operate quite differently. Let's delve into each of them to understand how they work.

Dual Stack

The Dual Stack approach allows devices and networks to handle both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses at the same time. This means that operating systems and network devices (such as routers) maintain two protocol stacks, one for IPv4 and one for IPv6, and can switch between them as necessary.

For example, if you are trying to access a website that is only available in IPv4, your device will use its IPv4 protocol stack. But, if you are trying to access a website that is available in IPv6, it will use its IPv6 protocol stack.

One of the advantages of Dual Stack is that it allows a smooth and gradual transition to IPv6, since devices and networks can continue using IPv4 while they adapt to IPv6.

Advantages

1. Smooth Transition- Dual Stack allows devices and networks to handle both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, allowing for a smooth and gradual transition to IPv6.
2. Compatibility: It can interact with both IPv4 and IPv6 hosts, making it extremely compatible.
3. No translation needed: Unlike NAT64, Dual Stack does not require IP address translation, avoiding performance and compatibility issues that may arise during the translation process.

Disadvantages

1. Use of resources: When maintaining two protocol stacks, devices need more memory space for addresses and more processing power to handle both stacks.
2. Management: Requires the administration of two separate address spaces, which can complicate network management.