Dual-stack

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A dual-stack host provides two discrete network implementations in the Network Layer (OSI model). The term stack here refers to the protocol stack or suite of protocols used in computer networking software.

Dual-stack IP hosts run both the IPv4 and the IPv6 versions of the Internet Protocol, however they don't have to exist independently. Instead the most common implementations use a converged architecture in which one or more transition mechanisms are implemented.

Dual Stack involves running IPv4 and IPv6 at the same time. End nodes and routers/switches run both protocols, and if IPv6 communication is possible that is the preferred protocol.


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