In this article, you will learn:
- What an IPv6 address is for
- How to enable or disable a Webhosting IPv6 address
- Common issues
- Frequently asked questions
Purpose of IPv6 addresses
IPv6 addresses (e.g. 2a02:2b88:1:4::16) are a new way of assigning numerical network addresses to devices, addressing the shortage of older IPv4 addresses (e.g. 46.28.105.2). Clients connecting to the web server may prefer one address type, but an IPv4 address is usually sufficient.
Older applications may not support IPv6. Before enabling IPv6 on existing Webhosting, make sure your PHP application is IPv6-compatible.
Enabling a Webhosting IPv6 address
IPv6 is normally enabled on Webhosting, except where the server has not assigned an IPv6 address. Check the address and configure it in Webhosting details as follows:
- Log in to Customer Administration ⧉.
- In the top menu, select Hosting services Webhosting.
- Select the service whose IPv6 you want to check or manage.
- In service details, check whether an IPv6 address exists; if so, you can disable or enable IPv6.
- Confirm by clicking set DNS records.
If your Webhosting has no assigned IPv6 address, contact us via the form ⧉. A technician will assign an address.
Common issues
Common IPv6 configuration problems include:
PHP application incompatible with IPv6
Problem: After the IPv6 address is activated, a PHP application does not work as it should.
Cause: The application may use the IP address from which the request came. This address is in the global variable $_SERVER['REMOTE_ADDR']. If someone accesses the website over IPv6, older applications may not account for it. A common error is a database column for IP addresses with too few characters.
Solution: Check and modify the PHP application.
Webhosting does not allow enabling IPv6 support
Problem: The checkbox for enabling IPv6 support is grayed out.
Cause: The server has not assigned an IPv6 address to this Webhosting.
Solution: Contact us using the form, and we will assign an IPv6 address manually.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to do anything else after enabling/disabling IPv6?
Make sure AAAA DNS records point to the hosting.