How Can I Efficiently Store IPv6 Addresses in MySQL?

Storing IPv6-Compatible Addresses in a Relational Database

When designing an application to be IPv6-ready, it is crucial to devise a storage strategy for IP addresses and CIDR blocks in a database. MySQL, lacking native IPv6 address support, presents a challenge in this regard.

Storage Strategies

The article explores several approaches to storing IPv6 addresses in MySQL:

• 2 x BIGINT (UNSIGNED): Splitting the address into two 64-bit integers aligns with the /64 boundary in IPv6.
• CHAR(16): Binary storage option, but requires conversion for processing.
• CHAR(39): Text storage option, verbose and less efficient.
• 8 x SMALLINT in a Dedicated Table: Decomposing the address into eight 16-bit chunks, stored in a separate table.

Recommendation

Due to MySQL's lack of IPv6 support, the most viable option is to use 2 x BIGINT (UNSIGNED) columns. This method:

• Optimizes storage: Avoids the overhead of conversion or using additional tables.
• Maintains natural alignment: Aligns with the common /64 subnet boundary in IPv6.
• Supports unsigned values: Ensures that the full address range can be represented.

By adopting this approach, you can effectively store IPv6 addresses and CIDR blocks in a MySQL database, ensuring your application is IPv6-ready.

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