AWS’s IPv4 Cost: Is Pure IPv6 Your Solution?

Earlier this year, AWS announced that all public IPv4 addresses, regardless of their usage status, will now come with a monthly charge of just under $4. While this might seem like a nudge towards the future – pushing more and more services to transition to IPv6 – it’s essential to pause and consider the broader ramifications before making a knee-jerk leap to abandon IPv4 all together.

The IPv6 Allure

There’s no denying the appeal of IPv6. With its virtually limitless address space and some inherent security features, it represents the future of internet connectivity. Given AWS’s new pricing model for IPv4, businesses might feel the urge to transition entirely to IPv6, eliminating dual-stack setups to cut costs. After all, why pay for something when a “free” alternative exists?

The Hidden Pitfalls

Before making any hasty decisions, it’s crucial to remember that the global internet ecosystem’s shift to IPv6 is still very much a work in progress.

• ISP Limitations: Many ISPs, especially smaller ones or those in certain regions, still don’t support IPv6. This means that if your service is IPv6-only, users on these networks would be unable to access it.
• Hardware Concerns: A sizeable chunk of home networking equipment, particularly older models, either don’t support IPv6 or need specific configurations to handle it. Even if a user’s home wifi equipment does support IPv6, it’s entirely possible they haven’t enabled or properly configured it. By going IPv6-only, there’s a risk of alienating these users.
• OS & Device Support: While most modern devices and operating systems support IPv6, older versions or specific models might face compatibility issues.
• Third-Party Service Dependencies: Another crucial factor to consider is your dependencies on third-party services. If these services haven’t made the IPv6 leap yet, your systems will still need to communicate using IPv4. This would necessitate the use of NAT Gateways for IPv4 outbound traffic. Ironically, this would still bring about the very cost you might be trying to avoid by moving away from IPv4.

A Possible Solution (With a Catch)

For those eager to make the IPv6 transition while ensuring maximum accessibility, some proxy/translation services like Tayga, Jool, or TOTD can be considered. These services act as bridges, allowing IPv4 clients to connect seamlessly to your IPv6 services. But here’s the catch: if you set this up on AWS using EC2, you’d be reintroducing IPv4 addresses into your setup, which you’ll be charged for. So, while this solution bridges the compatibility gap, it might not help you escape those newly introduced costs completely.

Of course, you need to be wary: introducing another layer in your infrastructure can add complexity, potential points of failure, and even unforeseen costs. Moreover, these translation methods might not be suitable for all applications due to latency or compatibility issues.

Conclusion

While AWS’s new pricing might push us to expedite our IPv6 journeys, it’s essential to approach this transition thoughtfully. Before making any significant changes, evaluate the demographics of your user base, their ISPs, and the devices they use. Embracing the future is vital, but ensuring accessibility and seamless user experience is paramount.

👋 Remember, Facet Digital here to help guide you through this transition. Contact us for a free 30-minute consultation, and let’s pave the way forward together.