IPv6 problem on WD19TB

Question

I'm using a XPS15 9500 along with a WD19TB. Fresh Windows 10 Pro with latest updates has been installed today. The Killer Wifi get's an IPv4 and an IPv6 assigned immediately when connected to WLAN. But when using the LAN of WD19TB only IPv4 is assigned

I have three options to get IPv6 working on LAN:

1) Waiting 5-10 minutes. Sometimes Windows finally assignes an IPv6 address.
2) Executing a "ipconfig /renew6" in CMD, which takes one minute to finish.
3) Running diagnosis in control panel > network adapters

I want to mention that I had different Linux distros installed on exactly this laptop where IPv6 was no problem, even when using LAN of docking station. Before the XPS I had an Thinkpad T460p with WLAN and internal LAN. Additionally I had used a docking station too on this Lenovo. On all ports haven't been any IPv6 problems ever.

So, what is the problem with the built-in "Realtek USB GbE Family Controller" that it does not work reliably with IPv6?

robert.toga · Answer

This problem occurs every time I boot the system or the LAN gets disconnected and connected again (i.e. undocking from WD19TB). I'm using this system for work and need IPv6 but none of the three workaround are handy to mee.

DELL-Jesse L · Answer

robert.toga,   I am researching this information and will reply back to you.

robert.toga · Answer

Just FYI: I've re-installed Windows 10 Pro again with latest drivers for XPS 9500 from DELL website. Same behavior. Even when Killer Wifi is deactivated in device manager of Windows. It takes several minutes until the Realtek adapter gets it IPv6 address.

Just now I've tested an Thinkpad E580 with integrated "Realtek PCI GbE Family" adapter on a fresh Windows 10 Pro on them same LAN port of my router. And this adapter has no problem, IPv6 was assigned immediately.

So I think it's something between Thunderbolt and Windows or the Realtek USB GbE adapter in the docking station is the most cheapest one Dell has found. No matter which, this setup is not useable for me currently until this IPv6 problem is solved. So I have to use my old laptop furthermore, sadly.

DELL-Jesse L · Answer

robert.toga,   You can update thunderbolt firmware to see if that will resolve the issue.

robert.toga · Answer

If the latest firmware is V01.00.14.01, A03 from 22/05/2020 then it has been upgraded already.

Tesla1856 · Answer

It does sound like something is broken with the WD19TB (good network troubleshooting)..

If I ever get around to it, I will try a real-ethernet-wire with my new Anker A8383 Adapter and see if IPv6 is getting assigned on my XPS-13 (9300) .

I've always been of the opinion that IPv4 is fine for devices needing IP addresses behind the NAT of my Netgear Nighthawk router. I thought the exception was just that rare device that needs to be accessible from the outside.

Anyway, this looks like some good info:

https://ethancbanks.com/2017/02/01/ipv6-qa-for-the-home-network-nerd/

robert.toga · Answer

Do you really think the dock is defective? I mean, IPv4 is working flawless and IPv4/IPv6 are only part of software stack, aren't they?
Personally I don't need IPv6, but as I administer many Linux servers running on IP dual stack, I have to ensure, that I can reach them via IPv6 too.

BTW: The WD19TB is absolutely fine for me, because it has 2x DP which I need. Linux was horrible regarding stability of docking an undocking while in standby or hibernate, but was absolutely brilliant for all network related things and my development environment. But because of these instability I decided to go back to Windows again. If there wouldn't be this annoying IPv6 problem...

Should I order a second dock just for testing? Don't know what to do with first device then, but I have no clue what I can do. Both Thinkpads (one with Intel NIC, other with Realtek NIC) get their IPv6 immediately when connection LAN cable. And no other similar problems can be found on internet. May be the dock is defective though? Is this also covered by any Dell service?

Tesla1856 · Answer

Your own troubleshooting seemed to indicate the problem followed the dock. By  'broken' I meant that maybe it needed a ( yet unreleased) firmware update or updated drivers.

XPS

IPv6 problem on WD19TB

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