Configuring DHCPv4 with IPv4 upstream for XBee Hive for Wi-SUN

In some deployments, a XBee Hive for Wi-SUN may be connected to an upstream IPv4-only network and configured to use DHCPv4 to obtain its own IPv4 address and network settings. In this scenario, the border router acts as a bridge between the IPv6-only Wi-SUN mesh network and the IPv4 upstream, enabling downstream devices to access the broader Internet. However, since Wi-SUN clients are IPv6-only, additional services are required to facilitate communication with IPv4 resources on the Internet. Specifically, DNS64 and NAT64 must be used in conjunction with DHCPv4 to provide seamless connectivity.

Use cases

  • Industrial IoT deployments where the upstream network is IPv4-only, but the field devices use IPv6.

  • Utility networks where the border router must integrate with legacy IPv4 infrastructure.

  • Transitional environments where IPv6 adoption is ongoing, but IPv4-only services remain critical.

How DHCPv4 fits in

  • The border router uses DHCPv4 to obtain its IPv4 address, default gateway, and DNS server information from the upstream IPv4 network.

  • Wi-SUN clients on the downstream mesh remain IPv6-only and do not receive IPv4 addresses.

  • The border router provides DNS64 and NAT64 services to translate between IPv6 and IPv4, allowing IPv6-only clients to reach IPv4 servers.

Caveats and considerations

  • DNS64/NAT64 Required: Without DNS64 and NAT64, IPv6-only clients will not be able to communicate with IPv4-only servers, even if the border router has an IPv4 address via DHCPv4.

  • Protocol Limitations: Only protocols supported by NAT64 (such as TCP, UDP, and ICMP) will work across the translation boundary. Protocols embedding IPv4 addresses in payloads may not function correctly.

  • No Inbound Connections: IPv4 servers cannot initiate connections to IPv6-only clients, as NAT64 is typically stateful and supports only outbound flows.

  • DHCPv4 Scope: Only the border router participates in DHCPv4; downstream Wi-SUN clients continue to use IPv6 addressing and configuration.

In summary, DHCPv4 enables the XBee Hive for Wi-SUN to integrate with IPv4 upstream networks, but DNS64 and NAT64 are essential for providing full Internet access to IPv6-only clients on the mesh. Careful consideration must be given to protocol support and translation limitations in this architecture.