This article explores an alternative history where IPv4 was extended instead of replaced by IPv6, examining the technical and adoption challenges of the current internet protocol transition. It reflects on how workarounds like NAT have prolonged IPv4's lifespan while delaying IPv6 adoption due to coordination problems. The piece serves as a thought experiment about internet infrastructure evolution.
Background
IPv4 address exhaustion has been a long-standing issue since the 1990s, leading to workarounds like NAT and the development of IPv6 as a replacement protocol. However, IPv6 adoption has been slow due to coordination challenges and legacy infrastructure.
- Source
- Lobsters
- Published
- Mar 17, 2026 at 11:52 AM
- Score
- 6.0 / 10