The world in which IPv6 was a good design (2017)

https://apenwarr.ca/log/20170810

Article

  • Argues IPv6 was designed for a different, better world where endpoints have stable addresses.
  • Traces networking history from Ethernet through NAT to explain why IPv6 feels awkward today.
  • Proposes that connection identity should be tied to UUIDs, not IP addresses.
  • Author (Tailscale CEO) advocates for end-to-end connectivity as the correct model.

Discussion

  • Strong pushback: critics argue IPv6 is fine and alternatives proposed always converge to IPv6.
  • SLAAC vs DHCPv6 coexistence flagged as a genuine design flaw causing real-world confusion.
  • Many note IPv4 exhaustion was solved ‘well enough’ by NAT, reducing IPv6 urgency.
  • Commenter points out this is one of the best networking explainers ever written.

Discuss on HN


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Added Apr 20, 2026
Modified Apr 20, 2026