IPv6 in Runet 2026: Adoption Report

• IPv6 can improve performance for mobile clients on various platforms, particularly in dual-stack environments, while some configurations may introduce additional latency.
• Google uses IPv6-accessibility as a slight ranking signal since 2025 (confirmed by John Mueller)
• Serverless platforms (Vercel, Netlify) — 100% IPv6, backed by Cloudflare
• Enterno.io + Selectel — full IPv6 chain, ready for IPv6-only clients in the future

The analysis focuses on the top Russian domains based on their SimilarWeb.ru ranking. It examines the success of AAAA queries combined with IPv6 TLS handshake attempts. The data reveals that a significant portion of domains are reachable via IPv4 only, while a smaller percentage supports dual-stack configurations. Additionally, certain CDN providers show high IPv6 reachability, indicating a trend towards improved IPv6 adoption among these domains.

IPv6 adoption in Runet is facing challenges due to various factors, including insufficient infrastructure investment, lack of awareness among SMEs, and the complexity of transitioning from IPv4. Current data shows that IPv6 usage among ISPs is quite low, with a significant majority still relying on IPv4 systems, which continue to serve many organizations effectively.

The transition to IPv6 requires significant infrastructure upgrades, which many organizations are hesitant to undertake. Key hurdles include:

• Cost of Upgrades: Transitioning involves not only the purchase of new hardware but also training personnel to manage the new protocols.
• Compatibility Issues: Many existing applications and systems are built around IPv4, leading to concerns about interoperability.
• Vendor Support: Some vendors still prioritize IPv4 support, leading to reluctance among organizations to invest in IPv6-capable solutions.

For instance, a typical command to check IPv6 connectivity in a Linux environment is:

ping6 google.com

However, if an organization's network infrastructure does not support IPv6, this command will fail, illustrating the necessity of foundational changes before adoption can be widespread.

Another significant factor contributing to the slow adoption of IPv6 in Runet is the lack of awareness and education surrounding the benefits and necessity of transitioning from IPv4. This issue manifests in several ways:

• Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Many SMEs are unaware of the impending IPv4 exhaustion and the advantages of IPv6, such as enhanced security features and a vastly larger address space.
• Training Resources: There is a shortage of training programs and resources that adequately inform technical staff about IPv6's operational differences and advantages.
• Perceived Complexity: The technical complexities associated with IPv6, including dual-stack configurations and the need for updated networking skills, deter organizations from making the switch.

To address these gaps, organizations can implement training sessions that cover essential IPv6 concepts. An example command to configure a basic IPv6 address on a Cisco device is:

interface GigabitEthernet0/1
 ipv6 address 2001:db8::1/64
 no shutdown

This simple configuration can be part of a broader education initiative, helping to demystify IPv6 for network engineers and decision-makers alike.