IP Version 6

IP version 6 (IPv6) is a version of the internet protocol that allows for continued internet growth over the existing IP version 4 (IPv4).

IPv4 is the communication protocol used on the internet for more than 30 years. It is commonly recognized by its 32-bit address notation of 192.168.1.2.
IPv6 is the successor to IPv4, offering a vastly expanded address space, simplified header, and an auto-configuration option among other features. IPv6 addresses are recognized by its 128 bit address notation of 2001:0578:0123:4567:89AB:CDEF:0123:4567.

In preparation for IPv4 address exhaustion, Cox is working diligently to ensure all networks, systems, and products are fully IPv6-enabled for the gradual adoption of IPv6 by the internet at large. To manage this migration, Cox has established an IPv6 Migration Program so that when the IPv4 addresses are exhausted, we will continue our business operations without interruption.

IPv4 vs. IPv6

IPv4 and IPv6 addresses are not compatible. A computer configured with an IPv4 address is unable to communicate with a computer or website that is configured with an IPv6 address.

image of the different ip addresses

Cox Plans for IPv6

There are many IPv4 and IPv6 "transition" technologies that enable IPv4 and IPv6 host to communicate with each other. Cox has chosen "dual stack" as our transition method.

In "dual stack", every networking device, computer, server, switch, router, and firewall in the Cox network will be configured with an IPv4 and an IPv6 address, meaning "dual stacked."
This enables Cox to process either IPv4 or IPv6 traffic at the same time.

image of the dual stack

IPv4 Exhaustion

View the following questions and answers about the exhaustion of IPv4 addresses. If you have additional questions, you can contact us.

Residential Customers: Contact us
Business Customers: Contact us

What is IPv4 exhaustion?

IPv4 supports only 4.2 billion unique addresses in total. This numbering schema, which has been used on the internet nearly 30 years, has reached the end of its number of unassigned internet addresses. As a result, no new IPv4 address space is being allocated to service providers.

Why are IPv4 addresses used up so quickly?

The explosion in demand worldwide for WiFi-ready devices, including laptops, desktops, and others, that are able to communicate instantaneously using the public internet has resulted in the rapid depletion of available internet addresses. In addition, there are inefficiencies in the way that IP addresses have been allocated in the past, which decreased the total available pool size.

Who is impacted by IPv4 exhaustion?

All Internet Service Providers are faced with providing a migration path from IPv4 to IPv6 for all their customers. Cox is working to ensure that the impact to our customers will be minimal.

When will we run out of IPv4 addresses?

Cox is no longer receiving new allocations of public IPv4 addresses from ARIN, the North American Regional Registry. However, due to some re-allocations of Cox's existing IP addresses space, we can continue providing IPv4 addressing to our customers while we introduce support for IPv6 in parallel.

What is Cox doing about IPv4 exhaustion?

Cox has established an IPv6 Migration Program to make sure that all Cox networks, systems, and products have IPv6 compatibility so that when the IPv4 addresses are exhausted, we will continue our business operations without interruption.

How do I know if I am affected by IPv4 exhaustion?

If you are a current Cox Internet residential or Cox Business customer, you will not be impacted by IPv4 exhaustion in the near term. If you have Cox Dedicated Internet Service and have a need to implement IPv6 in the near future, then contact your local Account Executive or System Engineer.

IPv6 Support

View the following questions and answers about Cox's plans for support of IPv6. If you have additional questions, you ca

Residential Customers: Contact us
Business Customers: Contact us

Will I be affected when Cox changes to IPv6?

Cox supports IPv6 in a way that is transparent to the customer experience. For customers with IPv6 capable devices and software, IPv6 will need to be enabled in your home equipment, if it is not enabled by default. Your Internet experience is provided using a mix of IPv4 and IPv6 that is transparent to the end-user.

What do I need in order to utilize IPv6?

IPv6 is not supported on all customer equipment, so in order to receive IPv6 addressing and communicate with other IPv6 devices on the Internet, the following are needed:

A DOCSIS 3.0 or DOCSIS 3.1 modem or gateway, or an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) connected to either an eWAN gateway or third-party standalone WiFi router

Note: If using a standalone router, it must be IPv6 capable. Contact the manufacturer to ensure compatibility. Also, ensure that the router is upgraded to the most current firmware release, as vendors often put IPv6 fixes into their updates.
An operating system that is capable of IPv6. See minimum operating systems versions below.
- Windows Vista or higher
- Mac OS 10.6 or higher
- Android OS 4.2 or higher
- Apple iOS 4.1 or higher

Important: Cox recommends that the latest updates or patches to your operating system are installed for the best experience.

When will the Cox network be upgraded to IPv6?

All Cox customers in all markets now have access to IPv6.

Are there any known incompatibilities with IPv6?

The majority of retail home routers, especially those produced within the last few years, are fully IPv6-compatible.