Proposal: Fedora should install with IPv6 disabled by default [was: Re: Disabling ipv6]

[dave at davenjudy.org]

>
>
> Am 12.07.2013 20:24, schrieb David G.Miller:
>> Fernando Lozano <fernando <at> lozano.eti.br> writes:
>>>> [As I changed the subject, let me clear: IPv6 still compiled in the
>> kernel. Just the network interfaces configs
>> <SNIP>
>>
>> Perhaps Fedora is the wrong distribution for you.
>>
>> The whole idea behind Fedora is for it to be an "engineering proving
>> ground" where new technologies (like IPv6) are rolled out for real world
>> use.  In the case of IPv6, this includes hopefully providing the tools
>> required for users to be able to securely run a Fedora system with IPv6
>> enabled.  If there is a problem with the tools provided then the answer
>> is
>> to fix the tools and/or provide additional tools; not pull back from a
>> technology that IS coming
>
> why this polemic answer?
>
> it is legit and recommended to disable ipv6 link-local on
> machines inside a network with a ipv4-only gateway because
> it is not needed, makes no sense and you should *never*
> enable network capabilities which are not used
>
> the main problem is not be able to *disable* it if
> you know what you are doing and know why therese
> is no need for ipv6 in your environment
> https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=982740
>
>
I don't consider my response to be "polemic."  Just pointing out that
Fedora tends to be a "bleeding edge", development distribution.  As an
example, you might review the commentary regarding the new installer that
appeared in FC-18.  The same can be said for any number of new features
such as systemctl instead of System V init scripts and firewalld as well
as many others.

That being said, you and Fernando might wish to explore how to submit a
feature request to make enabling/disabling IPv6 easier and more intuitive.
 Such a feature would be more in keeping with Fedora's goal of being a
technology incubator for what eventually becomes RHEL.  Simply turning off
a new technology that some people find inconvenient but that will move
from optional to required in the foreseeable future is contrary to what
Fedora is all about.

Cheers,
Dave