Re: [gentoo-user] To all IPv6-slackers among the Gentoo community

[Dale]

Mick wrote:
> On Tuesday, 26 November 2019 17:58:46 GMT Dale wrote:
>
>> I enter my username/password on the modem so I'm pretty sure it is
>> processing the packets and such.  There is no mention of anything IPv4
>> or v6.  I'd suspect it is v4 only, since it works it has to support v4.
>> lol  So, old modem may have to be bricked at some point.
> Not necessarily.  If your modem is like the one described here, follow the
> guidance provided to set it in bridged mode:
>
> https://www.dslreports.com/faq/6405
>
> In bridged mode it will pass all ethernet packets to your router and your
> router will be able to obtain a public IP address with its dhcp client
> directly from your ISP.  Of course, to be able to connect to your ISP you will
> now need to enter your ADSL account username/passwd into the PPPoE (or PPPoA)
> client in your router's management interface.  DHCP and DNS server
> functionality will also be provided by your router for all devices on your
> LAN.  The modem will be just a dumb box between the ISP and your router.
>
> In the unlikely chance your router does not possess such PPP authentication
> functionality, you will have to replace your router with one which does and at
> the same time look to buy one which offers IPv6 too.
>
>

I'm almost certain my router can do this.  I've done it before but with
a wired only version.  I think they have the same basic firmware since
all the screens look alike, except for the wireless part being added. 
Thing is, I don't think the router has IPv6 capabilities.  It's a WRT54G
version 6 that I use now.  I switched to a wireless one when I got my
cell phone which needs wi-fi.  The old wired router was the same model
less the G on the end if I recall correctly.  I suspect a new router is
due, age and lack of firmware updates if nothing else.  I think the
firmware is about a decade old. 


>> I do have a
>> newer gray modem that came with the DSL kit.  I stopped using it because
>> it got so warm.  The old black box one runs cool and it has more vent
>> holes.  I may have to check and see if the gray one supports v6 but it
>> is fairly old too.  It's at least 10 years old.
> ADSL ATM encapsulation technology has not changed for many years now.  I don't
> think age (or colour) matters really, unless you can see smoke coming out of
> it when you power it up!  LOL!
>

I mention the color because some may remember the old thing.  When I see
a black Westell, I know what it is.  Heck, I found most of the ones I
got at a thrift store for $6.00.  lol  I can generally recognize the
gray ones BUT some look a lot alike but are different on the inside. 

>> My router also makes no mention of IPv4 or v6.  I suspect it is in the
>> same boat as the modem, it doesn't support it and doesn't have the
>> option to either.  I did go to the Linksys website and look for a
>> firmware upgrade, nothing available, not even a old one.
> You haven't provided any model names[1] so it's difficult to google things for
> you, or suggest solutions.  Have a look here to see if your router is still
> supported by this open source Linux firmware:
>
> https://openwrt.org/supported_devices
>
> https://openwrt.org/toh/start
>
> Other alternative(s):
>
> http://www.polarcloud.com/tomato
>

Model is above.  I've read about openwrt but always been nervous about
trying it.  I've read where some have bricked their router.  You know me
and my luck.  If it can be bricked, I can do it, real good.  LOL  ;-D  I
tried to find out how much memory and such my old router has but I can't
find it anywhere.  It may not show it so I may end up googling for it
online.  See if I can find a spec sheet somewhere. 

>> I did some searching for routers with ipv6 support.  I'm not finding a
>> lot.  Is this something I need to worry about yet?  I mean, is there a
>> lot of IPv6 equipment even available right now?
> You may have not tried hard enough.  There were a thing even 8 years ago:
>
> https://www.cnet.com/news/top-5-ipv6-ready-wireless-routers/
>
> Answering your question, yes, today all modern routers and any ADSL modems
> with routing capability come as dual IPv4/6 stack.
>
>
> [1] True story:  Years ago a friend started work in a car accessories and
> spare parts shop.  Customer walks in looking for spark plugs, where upon my
> friend asks for his make and model.  Customer replies:  "Dunno, it's a blue
> car ..."  O_O
>


I just did one quick search for 'wireless router IPv6' and didn't see a
lot.  However, it may not be finding them all since it may not be in the
description since new ones come with it by default.  In other words,
they don't include IPv6 in the description for it to find it.  I'll do
some more searching but I'll ask here before I buy one unless it
specifically says it supports IPv6 somewhere.  No point buying one just
like I got now.  :/ 

I just don't want to wait until my internet stops working right to
upgrade this stuff. 

Dale

:-)  :-)