GoKawiilRFC8950 lets networks route IPv4 traffic using only IPv6 BGP sessions
A networking blog post describes hands-on testing of RFC8950, a BGP extension that allows IPv4 routes to be advertised with IPv6 next-hops over IPv6-only sessions. The post notes the standard is already supported in Juniper JunOS, Cisco IOS XR, Nokia SR OS, Mikrotik, Huawei, BIRD and FRR, and includes a demo lab setup to illustrate it.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The author argues this could let backbone networks, IP transit providers and IXPs run IPv6-only infrastructure while still carrying IPv4 traffic for customers who haven't migrated, cutting the overhead of dual-stack configuration. Framed as similar in impact to 464XLAT for mobile networks, this suggests a path toward simplifying core networks without tunneling, though adoption would depend on operators actually reconfiguring existing IPv4/IPv6 dual-stack deployments.
- RFC8950 enables IPv4 routes to be announced over IPv6-only BGP sessions using IPv6 next-hops.
- It changes only the control plane; data still travels as native IPv4 over the wire, with no tunneling involved.
- Major router vendors and open-source platforms including JunOS, IOS XR, SR OS, Mikrotik, Huawei, BIRD and FRR already support it.
Ubiquiti EdgeRouter 4 — If you're experimenting with RFC8950 and MP-BGP setups like IPv4-over-IPv6 next-hop routing, having a dedicated router that supports full BGP configuration is invaluable for hands-on lab work. The EdgeRouter 4 is popular among networking hobbyists and professionals for building home labs that mimic ISP-style routing scenarios. It's a great way to practice dual-stack and IPv6-only backbone concepts discussed in the article.
See Ubiquiti EdgeRouter 4 on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: anuragbhatia.com, 2026-10-16
Published there as: “RFC8950: Announce IPv4 with an IPv6 next-hop”
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