Knowledge base

IPv6 troubleshooting

Posted in Apple Mac OS

Symptoms

Learn some helpful troubleshooting suggestions for resolving IPv6-related Internet connectivity issues.

IPv6 related symptoms may include any of the following.

  • The web browser is unresponsive after you enter a search in the search field
  • The web browser reports that it is unable to connect to server because it isn't responding
  • The web browser connects, but only after several minutes
  • The web browser connects, but downloads take much longer than normal, or never complete
  • Other Internet-enabled activities such as reading mail or posting photos do not complete, possibly only when using certain sites

Note: Many websites and search engines are experimenting with adding IPv6 connectivity, so these symptoms may suddenly appear.

Products Affected

Mac OS X 10.6, Safari 5 (Mac OS X 10.6), AirPort Base Station

Resolution

To determine whether this is an IPv6-related issue or not, attempt to connect to both a known IPv6 website (such as www.ipv6.apple.com) as well as a known non-IPv6 website (such as www.apple.com). If you can connect to www.apple.com but not www.ipv6.apple.com, then you probably have an IPv6-related Internet connectivity issue.

If you have determined that any of the IPv6 symptoms listed above is affecting your system, review the following points and make changes where you feel they are appropriate.

If not, you most likely have an issue not specific to IPv6. The following links may help you troubleshoot the connection issue further:

IPv6 resolution

  1. Update Your Home Router
    • If you are using a third-party router or Internet gateway, check with the vendor for any relevant software updates.
    • If you are using a AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule, be sure it is using the most recent firmware (7.5.2 or later). For more information, see AirPort Extreme: How to Update a Base Station's Firmware.
    • Open AirPort Utility 5.5.2 for Mac or AirPort Utility 5.4.2 for Windows to resolve any IPv6-related problem codes for that base station.