Meta Reports 70% IPv6 Traffic: What's Still IPv4-Only and Why

October 8, 2024

2 min read

Meta has hit a milestone: the majority of its traffic is now IPv6. Some traffic still runs on IPv4. This post covers what that means and when selling makes sense for holders.

Meta and Facebook IPv6 Traffic

Meta crossed the 50% IPv6 threshold for US traffic during Memorial Day weekend 2018, according to Facebook Engineering. The company achieved this by optimizing its implementation of the “Happy Eyeballs” algorithm (RFC 6555/8305), which improves IPv6 connection performance.

For context on broader IPv6 adoption:

Google’s global statistics: ~47% of users access Google over IPv6 as of late 2024
Leading countries: India (80%), France, Germany (majority IPv6)
US: approximately 50% IPv6-capable

Meta’s IPv6 share has continued growing since 2018. The company operates one of the largest off-net IPv6 footprints among hyperscalers, with servers deployed in over 1,300 IPv6 networks according to APNIC research.

What remains on IPv4 at Meta and elsewhere includes peering, APIs, and partners that aren’t yet IPv6-only. Meta’s IPv6 growth doesn’t mean zero IPv4; that remaining traffic keeps some demand.

So Meta’s IPv6 growth reduces IPv4 use per unit of traffic. Remaining IPv4 traffic elsewhere keeps the market active.

What This Means for Holders

As Meta’s IPv6 adoption grows, some large holders may free up IPv4. Other buyers and lessees still need capacity for that remaining traffic. Selling is an option when you hold space you no longer need.

If you hold IPv4 that you’re not using or leasing, selling can monetize it. Our how to sell IPv4 guide walks through the process, RIR transfer, and what to expect.

So Meta’s IPv6 growth and remaining IPv4 traffic shape the market; holders who no longer need space can sell via our sell guide.

What to Do Next

If you’re considering selling:

Assess your space. How much IPv4 do you hold, and how much could you sell? Selling typically involves an RIR transfer.
Check your region and RIR. Transfer rules differ by RIR; our sell guide covers the basics.
Follow the process. Use our sell guide for finding buyers, agreements, and RIR transfer.

For IoT and address scarcity context, see IoT and IPv4: Addressing 75 Billion Devices When Addresses Are Scarce. For what Meta’s IPv6-only data centers mean for supply and demand, see Meta’s IPv6-Only Data Centers: Impact on IPv4 Supply and Demand.

Meta’s IPv6 numbers show adoption advancing. Remaining IPv4 traffic keeps IPv4 relevant; when you no longer need your space, sell via our sell guide.

Frequently asked questions

Does Meta use IPv6?

Yes. Meta reports that a large share of traffic is now IPv6. That reduces per-traffic IPv4 use but doesn’t eliminate IPv4; some traffic still uses IPv4.

What is IPv4 remaining traffic at Meta?

It’s the traffic that still uses IPv4: legacy partners, regions, and services. As Meta’s IPv6 share grows, that remaining IPv4 traffic shrinks; holders may consider selling unused space.

Why would I sell IPv4 when Meta goes IPv6?

As Meta’s IPv6 adoption grows, some holders free up IPv4. If you hold space you no longer need, selling can monetize it. Our guide on how to sell IPv4 walks through the process.

What does Meta IPv6 mean for the IPv4 market?

Meta’s IPv6 growth reduces its direct IPv4 demand. Traffic that remains on IPv4 elsewhere keeps demand; supply from sellers can meet it. Selling is an option for holders with surplus.

When should I sell IPv4?

Sell when you hold space you no longer need and want to monetize it. Our how to sell IPv4 guide covers the process, RIR transfer, and what to expect as the market evolves.

IoT and IPv4: Addressing 75 Billion Devices When Addresses Are Scarce Meta's IPv6-Only Data Centers: Impact on IPv4 Supply and Demand