IPv6 addresses in Beeline mobile network: test in Voronezh

The IPv4 address space is almost exhausted. In 2014, there is already a real threat of the impossibility of connecting a number of subscriber devices, in particular M2M sensors for the oil and gas sector, security devices and other terminals that need unique ip-addresses. Not to mention printers, cameras, refrigerators and other devices.

Therefore, the introduction of IPv6 in the mobile network is one of our priorities. The market has a large enough amount of equipment that cannot work with IPv6. However, this is not a reason to delay implementation. Now there is one test zone in Voronezh and the region, where IPv6 addresses are already distributed (and you can also get them - details below).
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When implementing IPv6 for mobile subscribers, we settled on Dual-stack IPv4v6 technology. Any device can be assigned either an IPv4 or an IPv6 address.

Why do we need a transition period from v4 to v6?

Not all Internet resources yet, and also not all content providers use IPv6. Many devices do not support IPv6. Dual-stack technology is flexible, which allows you to use one of three work options within a subscriber session: IPv4 only, IPv6 only, and both IPv4 and IPv6 (Dual-stack) at the same time.

What does this give?

In addition to the obvious advantages of IPv6 - access to Internet resources and content that support IPv6, without additional tunneling and broadcasting. Well, the very possibility to get a “white” individual IPv6 address for each subscriber device is a huge step forward. Plus, simpler implementation of encryption and increased exchange rate between P2P (peer-to-peer) IPv6 devices. Each user who plans to use a Dual-Stack is assigned an IPv6 subnet with a dimension of / 64 (according to the specifications of the 3GPP consortium).

What does the introduction of IPv6 and IPv4v6 Dual-Stack for an operator entail?

The introduction of a new address format naturally affected the systems inside VimpelCom. The changes affected the reference, transport networks, service platforms, billing, SORM, etc. We are now exploring and developing a targeted IPv4 / IPv6 Dual Stack network architecture for the mobile network.

Pilot project

The first task is to deploy a pilot project on a mobile network in one region. The results of the pilot project will be broadcast to all units in the Group of Companies (VimpelCom Ltd.). A universal solution will be approved at the headquarters level for further distribution in the rest of the group's networks.

Implementation geography

At the moment, the pilot region is the city of Voronezh and the region. According to the results of the pilot and in the longer term - all regions of Russia.

Will it require any extra payments?

There is no additional fee for the service, the tariff plan does not change.

What you need to get started in IPv6 space?

Have a device that supports IPv4v6 Dual-Stack.


If your device (for example, a tablet) is not listed, but it has IPv6 and Dual-Stack support, then most likely this is not a problem. Before this, it is better to clarify the possibility of this device and, if necessary, upgrade to the firmware version, with support for this functionality. On the iPhone, for the mobile network, the IPv6 option is currently not available.

What settings to use?

You should choose PDP type (or network type) in the APN internet.beeline.ru configuration: IPv4v6 - for Dual-stack (Internet resources and IPv4 and IPv6 content will be available) or IPv6 - for IPv6 only (Internet resources and content will be available only IPv6 ). If you cannot change the type of APN, then in parallel you can create a new APN internet.beeline.ru with the parameter of the IPv4v6 or IPv6 network type.

The following is an example for the Nokia Lumia 820 (Windows Phone OS):



An example of Dual-stack on Sony Xperia Z ultra (Android OS 4.2.2):



An example of dual-stack configuration on a USB modem (ZTE MF823 model):



After making the settings, you can check the connection by looking at internet.yandex.ru and see two IPv4 and IPv6 addresses.

Example www.v6.facebook.com :

Participation in pilot testing

1. If you live in Voronezh or region.
2. If you are connected to the Beeline mobile network (you have a Beeline SIM card).
3. And if you have or will have a device that supports IPv4v6 (Dual-Stack) and IPv6, you can get the address right now as part of the test.

Subscription for testing will run until December 27, 2013 inclusive. Then, after the New Year's peak, January 10, it will again be possible to sign up for testing for 5-6 days. That is, you can write until the end of the holidays, but please note that the subscription of new applicants and the receipt of answers to interesting questions will resume in the working days of January.

Later, after completion of the tests, the ability to work under the IPv6 and IPv4v6 protocol is planned for all users of the pilot region.

To connect, you need to send an email to IPv6@beeline.ru indicating your name, phone number and terminal type (phone and its OS, or modem model, camera, tablet, etc.).