Feature Overview

To ensure comprehensive network compatibility, Red Hat Satellite should support dual stack connectivity, enabling all major workflows to function seamlessly in environments utilizing both IPv4 and IPv6.

The following critical workflows must be supported in a dual stack environment:

• Client Registration: Allow clients to register to Satellite using either IPv4 or IPv6.

• Content Management and Patching: Ensure content distribution and patching capabilities for all registered systems, regardless of their network stack.

Goals

1. Support Dual Stack Registration: Enable client systems to register with Satellite over IPv4 or IPv6, ensuring they are ready to consume content and updates as long as Satellite is accessible.
2. Ensure Seamless Content Distribution and Patching: Distribute content and apply patches uniformly across all registered systems, irrespective of whether they are using IPv4 or IPv6.
3. Measure Success Through Adoption:

• Track the number of Satellite installations operating in dual stack environments.
• Monitor the successful registration of client systems using both IPv4 and IPv6.
• Ensure that customers report no issues with content distribution or patching due to network stack configurations.

Background and Strategic Fit

This feature aligns with both market demand and regulatory requirements:

• US Federal Government Mandate: Federal agencies are required to transition to IPv6 (refer to M-21-07 memorandum). As many government agencies are Satellite customers, especially in disconnected environments, supporting dual stack is critical to meet these evolving requirements.

• Telco Industry Requirements: Major telecom customers face increasing pressure to optimize IP range usage. Dual stack support is essential to manage the transition to IPv6 while maintaining IPv4 compatibility. Notably, Verizon and Swisscom have already expressed interest in dual stack support for key workflows in Satellite.

• Gradual Transition to IPv6-Only: Although the mandate for IPv6 conversion exists, a complete transition will take time. In the interim, dual stack support will bridge the gap, ensuring uninterrupted service.

Use Cases (User Experience & Workflow)

Primary Use Case: Dual Stack Client Registration

• Pre-conditions:
  • Satellite is deployed in an environment with both IPv4 and IPv6 connectivity.
• Steps:
  • The administrator configures Satellite to support dual stack registration.
  • Clients attempt registration using either IPv4 or IPv6.
  • Satellite accepts registrations from both network stacks without requiring additional configurations.
• Acceptance Criteria:
  • Clients are successfully registered regardless of their network stack.
  • No connectivity issues are reported by customers.

Secondary Use Case: Content Management and Patching

• Pre-conditions:
  • Satellite is fully operational with registered clients using both IPv4 and IPv6.
• Steps:
  • The administrator initiates a content sync or patch deployment.
  • Satellite distributes content and patches to all registered systems.
  • Clients receive and apply updates successfully.
• Acceptance Criteria:
  • All registered systems receive content updates and patches.
  • Customers report successful patching without errors related to network stack differences.

Customer Considerations

• Prerequisites:
  • Satellite must be reachable via both IPv4 and IPv6.
  • Customers must configure their environments to allow dual stack communication.
• Dependencies:
  • Ensure documentation covers best practices for configuring dual stack environments.
  • Provide clear guidance on troubleshooting dual stack connectivity issues if needed.

Documentation Considerations

• New Content: Develop comprehensive documentation covering:
  • Steps to enable and configure dual stack support in Satellite.
  • Detailed workflows for client registration, content distribution, and patching in dual stack environments.
• Updates to Existing Content:
  • Update existing sections related to networking and registration workflows to reflect dual stack support.

• Release Notes:
  • Highlight dual stack support as a major enhancement, emphasizing its significance for government and telecom customers.