In his defense of Network Address Translation, APNIC chief scientist Geoff Huston explores the valuable role NAT technology has played in the evolution of the Internet, allowing network operators to make cost-effective decisions .

Huston points out that one of the reasons IPv6 deployment continues to lag is that NAT technology effectively serves the needs of most users, allowing network operators to preserve their existing investment that much longer.  Until a significant majority of the Internet population adopts IPv6, the investment in IPv6 provides incremental benefit to the user. Rather than being maligned, NATs should be recognized part as a valuable to the evolution of the Internet independent of IPv6 migration.   He notes that at least 90% of devices continue to use IPv4 exclusively, and the remaining devices use both IPv4 and IPv6.   Read More