Overview of NAT64
Network Address Translation IPv6-to-IPv4 (NAT64) is an address translation technology that converts IPv6 addresses into IPv4 addresses. NAT64 applies to the latter phase of IPv6 transition in which IPv6 is the mainstream application. New users connected to an IPv6 network can access the remaining IPv4 services across the IPv6 network. Only centralized NAT64 is supported.
Currently, IPv4 takes the lead. Carriers can directly deploy IPv6 networks to allow new users connected to an IPv6 network to access IPv4 services using NAT64. NAT64 applies to the following situations:
- Carrier networks are experiencing IPv4 address shortages or inappropriate IPv4 address allocations, and therefore fail to meet access requirements of a large number of new users.
- Carriers want to gradually deploy IPv6 networks to implement a smooth transition from IPv4 to IPv6. For example, carriers deploy IPv6 on access and core networks and allow all new users to access IPv6 networks while allowing existing IPv4 users to gradually transition to IPv6 networks.
- Emerging carriers directly deploy IPv6 networks to reduce costs.
- Mobile phones do not support the IPv4/IPv6 dual stack because of high power consumption and poor heat dissipation. During the transition from IPv4 to IPv6, mobile phone users may need to access IPv4 services across IPv6 networks.